Australia legend Matthew Hayden says Shoaib Bashir will be ‘targeted’ should he be selected for England’s opening Ashes Test in Perth.

England’s selectors have put their faith in Bashir as their frontline spin option heading into this winter’s eagerly anticipated series, with Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell and Joe Root the only other alternatives available to the tourists Down Under.

But there are no guarantees that Bashir will see any action for the visiting side, who are expected to rely heavily on an all-pace attack as they seek a first series victory on Australian soil in 14 years.

By contrast, Australia have Nathan Lyon in their armoury – a vastly experienced and widely respected off-spinner who boasts 152 wickets in his 24 Test matches against England.

There had been some speculation

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