🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Selection in English Test Series Squad The English team has chosen a twelve-player selection just two days before the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir earning a unexpected place. The 22-year-old’s inclusion indicates that the visiting team will wait until the morning of the initial match to determine whether Perth Stadium pitch suit four seamers or the addition of a spinner. Both pace bowlers are part of the selected squad, indicating there are no concerns about either pace bowler’s condition. The other seamers complete the attack, with Carse most likely to miss out if the spinner makes the starting XI. Pitch Factors Favor Seamers The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has hosted several previous Tests. In those games, the majority of dismissals have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin bowling. Among these 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight. On a ground known for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a team relying on fast bowlers is still the probable choice. Alternative Choices Considered Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be brought into the side to provide some spin while also bolstering the lower order. However McCullum has opted to keep faith with Bashir, having stated earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series. In July, Lyon described the English spinner as “decent,” adding that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English top slow bowler.” “This is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who haven’t done it in the past in Australian pitches,” Lyon remarked of slow bowling in Australian Tests. “I won't reveal my strategies so opponents perform and perform well out here.” England 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test The Captain The Pace Bowler The Seamer The Spinner Harry Brook Brydon Carse The Opener Ben Duckett The Middle-Order Joe Root Jamie Smith (wk) The Speedster