🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Selection in English Ashes Squad England have opted for a 12-man squad just two days before the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir earning a unexpected spot. Bashir's inclusion indicates that the tourists will delay until the day of the initial match to decide whether Perth Stadium pitch favor four seamers or the addition of a spin bowler. Both pace bowlers are included in the 12-man group, showing there are no concerns about either fast bowler's fitness. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the bowling group, with Carse expected to miss out if Bashir makes the final team. Pitch Factors Favor Pace Bowlers Brendon McCullum had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has hosted several previous Tests. In those games, 134 wickets have been taken by seamers, with only a small number to spin bowling. Among these spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has taken 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have just a handful. At a venue known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers is still the probable choice. Spin Options Considered There had been rumors that Will Jacks could be brought into the side to offer some slow bowling while additionally bolstering the batting lineup. But McCullum has opted to keep faith with the young spinner, having stated earlier this year that he would be his first-choice spinner for the Ashes. Earlier, Lyon described Bashir as “decent,” saying that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still England’s top slow bowler.” “It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for people who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions,” Lyon said of spin bowling in matches Down Under. “I won't reveal my strategies so opponents perform and excel out here.” England Selected Team for First Ashes Test The Captain The Pace Bowler Gus Atkinson The Spinner The Batsman The Fast Bowler The Opener The Batsman Ollie Pope Joe Root The Wicketkeeper Mark Wood