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England have opted for a twelve-player selection just two days before the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir earning a surprise spot.

The 22-year-old’s selection suggests that the visiting team will delay until the day of the initial match to determine whether Perth Stadium conditions favor a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler.

Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man group, indicating there are no concerns about their pace bowler’s fitness.

Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the bowling group, with the latter most likely to miss out if Bashir enters the starting XI.

Pitch Factors Lean Toward Seamers

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

During these matches, the majority of dismissals have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin bowling.

Among these 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed 29, while all visiting spinners together have only eight.

At a venue known for its speed and carry, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on fast bowlers remains the probable choice.

Spin Options Considered

Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the team to provide some slow bowling while additionally strengthening the lower order.

But the coach has chosen to keep faith with Bashir, having stated previously that he would be his preferred spinner for the Ashes.

Earlier, Nathan Lyon described the English spinner as “decent,” adding that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s best spinner.”

“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for people who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions,” he remarked of slow bowling in matches Down Under.

“I’m not going to let my secrets out so they perform and perform well out here.”

English Selected Team for Opening Match

• The Captain
• The Pace Bowler
• The Seamer
• Shoaib Bashir
• The Batsman
• Brydon Carse
• Zak Crawley
• The Batsman
• The Middle-Order
• The Veteran
• Jamie Smith (wk)
• The Speedster