Legendary former all-rounder Lord Botham has suggested England should pick four frontline fast bowlers in the first Ashes Test against Australia.
Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts are all in England’s squad alongside all-rounder and captain Ben Stokes.
Picking four quicks would likely mean omitting spinner Shoaib Bashir.
“I think the West Indies did pretty well with four pace bowlers – and another six waiting to get in,” said Botham, who played 102 Tests between 1977 and 1992.
“I think it’s the right way.
“You want to be aggressive, you want the ball to come through. Players who aren’t in good form don’t like it in the ribs, so it will be interesting.”
Botham also name-checked Durham pace bowler Carse, who has taken 36 wickets in nine Tests but is yet to play in an Ashes series.
“I think Carse might surprise a few of you,” Botham told reporters in Melbourne.
“He’s a very aggressive bowler and he’s got enough pace to make you hop around a bit. He can bat a bit as well.”