England have recalled pace bowler Brydon Carse to the Lions squad as potential Test cover, while dropping off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and handing a maiden call-up to Nottinghamshire left-arm spinner Liam Patterson-White for the upcoming three-Test series in South Africa starting December 17, 2026.
Fantasy Assets Change Following Player Call-Ups and Demotions
- Liam Patterson-White Call-up: The 28-year-old spinner enters county and fantasy calculations as a viable lower-order asset after hitting three first-class hundreds alongside his 42 wickets.
- Shoaib Bashir Demotion: Dropped to the Lions squad after minimal red-ball action over the summer, significantly dampening his short-term fantasy stock.
- Brydon Carse Return: Positioned as immediate pace cover for Josh Tongue ahead of the Johannesburg opener, impacting the pace-bowling depth chart for fantasy managers.
The Path Back for Brydon Carse
Brydon Carse has not featured in any international set-up since being arrested and de-arrested outside a Derby nightclub in August. Although Derbyshire Police concluded their investigation, Carse still faces a pending verdict from the Cricket Regulator following a formal charge.
England Men have announced their squad to face South Africa 📋 Full squad 👉 https://t.co/mbGCNSYfpw pic.twitter.com/JIx650A5a2
While Carse continued turning out for Durham, England selectors previously kept him away from international duties to manage the situation. The past few months, under investigation, has been a time where he has stood back, a time of reflection,
selector Marcus North told bbc.co.uk regarding the decision to ease the seamer back via the Lions program.
Spin Bowling Shuffle: Bashir Out, Patterson-White In
Shoaib Bashir’s omission marks a stark turnaround for a player fast-tracked into the Test side at age 20 under former coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. Despite finishing last month as the sole specialist red-ball spinner on a central contract, Bashir has paid the price for a lack of red-ball exposure during a summer where he bowled in only one home Test.
England name their Test squad for the tour of South Africa 🏏 pic.twitter.com/gVp7KlqZB9
Stepping into the senior 15-man squad is Nottinghamshire’s Liam Patterson-White, who celebrated his 28th birthday on Sunday after claiming a division-leading 42 wickets in Division One of the County Championship. Cricinfo noted that Patterson-White has effectively leapfrogged both Bashir and Rehan Ahmed, as well as Somerset veteran Jack Leach.
Squad Dynamics Under Stephen Fleming
The tour of South Africa represents the first assignment under new head coach Stephen Fleming, who met with management in Perth to finalize the selections. Josh Tongue will miss the opening Test in Johannesburg on December 17 to attend the birth of his second child, leaving the touring party a seamer light.
To mitigate the absence, Marcus North confirmed that England will pull one or two
players directly from the 18-man Lions red-ball group training alongside the senior squad from late November. Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell returns to the Test setup following a knee injury that sidelined him during the home series against Pakistan.
| Player | Role | Current Squad | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liam Patterson-White | Left-Arm Spinner | Senior Test Squad | 42 County Championship wickets last season |
| Shoaib Bashir | Off-Spinner | Lions Red-Ball Squad | Omitted from senior squad after limited summer action |
| Brydon Carse | Pace Bowler | Lions Squad (Red & White-Ball) | Returning following police and regulatory investigations |
| Josh Tongue | Pace Bowler | Senior Test Squad | Missing first Test for the birth of his second child |
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
We have announced our Test squad to face South Africa 📋 Full squad 👉 https://t.co/mbGCNSYNf4 pic.twitter.com/Pp90JXWX1v
One of our own, called up for England 💚💛 Liam Patterson-White joins Ben Duckett and Josh Tongue on England Men's Test tour to South Africa. Read the full story 👉 https://t.co/9l6QNkdmZJ#OutlawsOverseas ✈️ pic.twitter.com/2nYrnX8xm0
