🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Selection in England's Test Series Squad England have opted for a twelve-player selection just 48 hours before the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir earning a unexpected spot. Bashir's inclusion suggests that the visiting team will delay until the day of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium pitch suit a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler. Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man squad, indicating there are no doubts about either fast bowler's condition. The other seamers round out the bowling group, with Carse most likely to miss out if Bashir makes the final team. Pitch Factors Favor Pace Bowlers Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to opt for an all-seam attack on a ground that has hosted several previous Tests. During these matches, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin. Of those spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken 29, while all visiting spinners together have just a handful. At a venue renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side relying on seamers remains the more likely decision. Alternative Choices Weighed There had been speculation that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some spin while also bolstering the lower order. However the coach has chosen to keep faith with Bashir, having stated earlier this year that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the Ashes. Earlier, Nathan Lyon described Bashir as “decent,” saying that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still the English top slow bowler.” “This is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who lack experience in the previous in these conditions,” Lyon remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests. “I’m not going to let my secrets out so they come out and perform well out here.” England 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test Ben Stokes (c) Jofra Archer Gus Atkinson The Spinner The Batsman The Fast Bowler Zak Crawley Ben Duckett The Middle-Order The Veteran Jamie Smith (wk) Mark Wood