🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Earns Surprise Inclusion in English Test Series Team England have chosen a 12-man selection just two days before the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir securing a unexpected spot. The 22-year-old’s selection suggests that the tourists will wait until the morning of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium pitch favor a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the 12-man group, showing there are no doubts about either fast bowler's condition. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the bowling group, with the latter most likely to be omitted if Bashir makes the final team. Ground Conditions Favor Seamers Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has staged five past matches. During these games, 134 wickets have been taken by seamers, with only a small number to spin. Of those spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have only eight. At a venue known for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a side relying on fast bowlers is still the more likely decision. Alternative Choices Weighed Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the side to offer some spin while also strengthening the lower order. However McCullum has opted to stick with the young spinner, having said previously that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series. In July, Lyon described the English spinner as “decent,” saying that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still England’s top slow bowler.” “This is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for people who lack experience in the previous in Australian pitches,” he said of spin bowling in matches Down Under. “I won't let my secrets out so they come out and excel out here.” English 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test Ben Stokes (c) The Pace Bowler The Seamer The Spinner Harry Brook The Fast Bowler Zak Crawley The Batsman The Middle-Order The Veteran The Wicketkeeper Mark Wood