🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Earns Unexpected Inclusion in English Test Series Team England have chosen a twelve-player squad just 48 hours before the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a surprise spot. The 22-year-old’s selection suggests that the visiting team will delay until the day of the initial match to decide whether Perth Stadium pitch favor a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spinner. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the selected group, showing there are no doubts about their pace bowler’s fitness. The other seamers complete the attack, with Carse most likely to miss out if the spinner enters the starting XI. Pitch Factors Favor Pace Bowlers The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged several past matches. During these games, the majority of dismissals have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin bowling. Among these spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have just a handful. On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers remains the more likely choice. Alternative Choices Weighed Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some slow bowling while also bolstering the batting lineup. But McCullum has chosen to stick with the young spinner, having said earlier this year that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the Ashes. Earlier, Nathan Lyon commented on Bashir as “OK,” saying that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still England’s best spinner.” “This is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who lack experience in the past in these conditions,” he remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests. “I won't reveal my strategies so opponents come out and perform well out here.” England 12-man Squad for Opening Match Ben Stokes (c) The Pace Bowler Gus Atkinson The Spinner The Batsman Brydon Carse The Opener The Batsman The Middle-Order The Veteran Jamie Smith (wk) Mark Wood