England clear way for Carse return and drop Bashir
Brydon Carse has not played for England since the fifth Ashes Test in January [Getty Images] England have opened the door for Brydon Carse to return to Test cricket for the tour of South Africa by naming the pace bowler in the Lions squad.
Key points
- Carse has not been part of any England squad since being handcuffed - explained as arrested then de-arrested - outside a nightclub in Derby in August.
- However, England have previously explained his absence by a need for Carse to spend time away from the international arena.
- Carse has continued to play for Durham and has remained available for England selection since the Derby incident.
The left-hander's return creates congestion in the top order after Emilio Gay and Jordan Cox both featured in the 3-0 home win over Pakistan, with North confirming England are yet to settle on their top six for the first Test against South Africa.
Additional details
- Speaking as the Test and Lions squads were announced on Monday, England selector Marcus North said: "The past few months, under investigation, there has been a time where he has stood back, a time of reflection.
- Carse will be competing with other Lions seamers Henry Crocombe, Olly Stone, Matthew Fisher, Eddie Jack, Matthew Potts and Mitchell Stanley for the chance to cover for Tongue.
- Although Derbyshire Police have ended their investigation into a potential assault, Carse has been charged by the Cricket Regulator, with a verdict still to come.
- Carse could come into the Test squad as cover for Josh Tongue, who will miss the opener to the three-Test series to be at the birth of his second child.
- Bashir's omission is eye-catching, given the faith England showed in the off-spinner under Stokes and previous Test coach Brendon McCullum.
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