🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Earns Unexpected Selection in English Test Series Squad The English team has opted for a 12-man selection just 48 hours before the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise place. The 22-year-old’s inclusion suggests that the tourists will delay until the morning of the initial match to decide whether Perth Stadium pitch suit a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spin bowler. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the 12-man squad, indicating there are no concerns about either fast bowler's fitness. The other seamers complete the bowling group, with the latter expected to be omitted if Bashir enters the final team. Pitch Factors Favor Pace Bowlers The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has hosted several past matches. In those matches, the majority of dismissals have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin bowling. Of those 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers together have just a handful. At a venue renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, pledged that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team loaded with fast bowlers is still the more likely choice. Alternative Choices Considered Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be brought into the side to provide some slow bowling while also bolstering the lower order. However McCullum has opted to keep faith with the young spinner, having stated previously that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the series. In July, Nathan Lyon described the English spinner as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s top slow bowler.” “This is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who haven’t done it in the previous in these conditions,” he remarked of slow bowling in matches Down Under. “I won't let my secrets out so opponents perform and perform well out here.” English 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test The Captain The Pace Bowler Gus Atkinson Shoaib Bashir The Batsman Brydon Carse The Opener The Batsman The Middle-Order The Veteran Jamie Smith (wk) The Speedster