England have named Will Jacks in their 16-man squad for the Ashes tour of Australia, with the Surrey all-rounder seen as a potential second spinning option behind Shoaib Bashir.
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The news is a major talking point among fans and pundits, with many questioning his role in the team.
However, the selection of Jacks is a clear indication that England has a tactical plan in mind.
The selection of a player who has not played a Test for nearly three years is a bold move, but it is a clear sign that the selectors are willing to take a risk to win the Ashes in Australia.
Jacks's inclusion gives England a new dimension in their bowling and batting, and he will be hoping to make a major impact on the series.
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The tactical genius behind Will Jacks's selection
England's selectors are well aware that the pitches in Australia can often be unhelpful for spinners.
The hard, bouncy decks can often leave a front-line spinner with little to do, which is why a part-time option is a smart move.
The selectors could use a player like Jacks, who has a very similar skillset to Washington Sundar, as a part-time bowler who can also bat.
Jacks's ability to bowl his off-spin is a major asset, and his power-hitting with the bat is a bonus.
He could be used at grounds such a Brisbane and Perth where you do not typically bowl that many overs of spin, so would bulk up the batting order.
The selectors could use him to pack the batting and give their front-line bowlers a rest, a tactic that would be a major asset to the team.
The surprise pick that could decide the series
The selection of Jacks is a clear statement of intent from the England camp.
The selectors have made it clear that they are willing to take a risk to win the Ashes in Australia.
The all-rounder's versatility as a batting all-rounder and superb fielder gives England extra options when balancing its starting XI.
For example, he could cover an injured Ben Stokes at No. 6 if required, allowing for an all-out pace attack.
The selectors believe that Jacks's height and overspin are valuable attributes on Australia's hard decks, and his ability to bowl economically could be a major factor in the series.
The selection of Jacks is a major factor in the team's balance, and he will be hoping to repay the faith of the selectors with a strong performance.
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