🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Earns Surprise Selection in England's Ashes Squad England have chosen a twelve-player selection just two days ahead of the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir earning a unexpected spot. The 22-year-old’s selection indicates that the tourists will delay until the morning of the initial match to determine whether Perth Stadium conditions favor four seamers or the addition of a spin bowler. Both pace bowlers are part of the selected squad, indicating there are no concerns about their pace bowler’s condition. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with Carse expected to be omitted if the spinner makes the final team. Pitch Factors Lean Toward Seamers The England coach had been expected to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has hosted several previous Tests. During these games, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin bowling. Among these spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has taken 29, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight. On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a team relying on fast bowlers is still the probable decision. Spin Options Weighed Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the team to offer some slow bowling while additionally strengthening the batting lineup. However McCullum has opted to stick with the young spinner, having stated earlier this year that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the series. In July, Lyon commented on Bashir as “OK,” saying that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still the English best spinner.” “It is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for people who haven’t done it in the previous in Australian pitches,” he said of spin bowling in matches Down Under. “I won't reveal my strategies so opponents come out and excel out here.” England Selected Team for Opening Match The Captain The Pace Bowler The Seamer Shoaib Bashir Harry Brook Brydon Carse The Opener Ben Duckett Ollie Pope Joe Root Jamie Smith (wk) The Speedster