As England prepare for the high-stakes Ashes tour of Australia later this year, one major question remains unanswered: who will be the team second spinner? Head coach Brendon McCullum has admitted that this is one of the “few areas that needed to be finalised,” and the decision could have a big impact on the series.
The contenders are Rehan Ahmed, the 21-year-old leg-spinner and rising all-rounder, and Liam Dawson, the experienced 35-year-old left-arm spinner. Both bring different skill sets, making the selection a tricky call.
Rehan Ahmed – The Multidimensional Young Star
Rehan Ahmed has been one of the standout performers in county cricket for Leicestershire this season. Not only has he taken 23 wickets at an average of 19, but he has also made a mark with the bat, scoring five centuries and averaging 50.7 in 10 matches.
At the international level, Ahmed has already shown promise:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat. Avg | HS | Wickets | Bowl Avg | Best Bowling | 5-wicket hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 5 | 103 | 10.3 | 28 | 22 | 31.23 | 5/48 | 1 |
| ODI | 6 | 35 | 8.75 | 15 | 10 | 23.3 | 4/54 | 0 |
| T20I | 11 | 46 | 9.2 | 11 | 12 | 25.75 | 3/39 | 0 |
Ahmed became England youngest ever Test debutant in 2022 and immediately made headlines with a five-wicket haul against Pakistan. His ability to contribute runs in the lower order adds further balance, giving England flexibility in team combinations.
Liam Dawson – The Experienced Campaigner
Liam Dawson, meanwhile, brings the advantage of experience and control. Recalled for the final Test against India earlier this year, Dawson bowled 62 overs economically but managed just one wicket. While his wicket-taking threat is often questioned, his batting depth and calmness under pressure are seen as assets.
His overall first-class record speaks of consistency, with over 450 wickets and more than 8,000 runs, making him a dependable utility option.
The choice between Ahmed and Dawson is about more than just numbers—it reflects England broader philosophy for the Ashes.
- Rehan Ahmed offers an attacking, all-round option, capable of turning matches with both bat and ball.
- Liam Dawson provides reliability and control, but left-arm spin has historically struggled in Australian conditions.
With Shoaib Bashir expected to be the first-choice spinner, England must decide whether to back youth and aggression or go with experience and steadiness.
The upcoming Ashes 2025 series will test England depth and strategy. While Ahmed form and all-round skills make him the frontrunner, Dawson experience cannot be discounted. With the selectors expected to announce the squad soon, all eyes will be on who earns that vital second spinner’s spot.
One thing is clear—this decision could play a decisive role in Englands bid to reclaim the Ashes on Australian soil.
