Australia gamble on Pakistani spinner, Fawad Ahmed, for Ashes squad
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.For Australia, it is one thing after another. They are beset by worry and panic. Their preparations for the Champions Trophy and the Ashes are constantly moveable feasts which are increasingly threatening thin pickings.
As they waited anxiously for their captain, Michael Clarke, to recover in time for their match on Friday against England in the Champions Trophy, they were busy making rushed plans to propel a little-known bowler called Fawad Ahmed into the Ashes squad. Clarke's frail back is longstanding. It is a minor miracle that he has nursed it through 92 Tests. But he has been forced to visit a specialist this week and is a doubt for Edgbaston.
Where he is concerned, the Australians must have at least one eye on the rest of the year which involves 10 Ashes Tests. Which is why they will almost certainly include the Pakistani leg-spinner, Fawad Ahmed in their Ashes squad.
He was added to their A team's tour of Britain after fast-track legislation for immigrant applications passed the first key hurdle in the country's parliament. Fawad, 31, who has played 13 first-class matches, three of them in Australia, sought asylum in the country after fleeing the North West Frontier in 2010.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments