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The English team has chosen a 12-man squad just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir securing a unexpected place.

The 22-year-old’s inclusion suggests that the visiting team will wait until the morning of the initial match to determine whether Perth Stadium conditions suit four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler.

Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the selected squad, showing there are no concerns about their pace bowler’s condition.

Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with the latter expected to be omitted if the spinner makes the starting XI.

Pitch Factors Favor Pace Bowlers

Brendon McCullum had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged five past matches.

In those games, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.

Of those 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have just a handful.

On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, stated that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a team loaded with fast bowlers is still the probable decision.

Alternative Choices Considered

Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to provide some slow bowling while also bolstering the batting lineup.

However the coach has opted to stick with Bashir, having stated previously that he would be his first-choice spinner for the Ashes.

Earlier, Lyon commented on Bashir as “OK,” adding that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English best spinner.”

“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for people who haven’t done it in the past in Australian pitches,” Lyon remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests.

“I won't let my secrets out so opponents come out and excel out here.”

England Selected Team for Opening Match

• The Captain
• The Pace Bowler
• The Seamer
• Shoaib Bashir
• The Batsman
• Brydon Carse
• The Opener
• The Batsman
• The Middle-Order
• Joe Root
• Jamie Smith (wk)
• Mark Wood