🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Earns Unexpected Selection in England's Ashes Squad The English team has chosen a 12-man squad just two days before the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir securing a unexpected spot. The 22-year-old’s selection suggests that the visiting team will delay until the day of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium pitch suit four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the 12-man group, showing there are no doubts about either pace bowler’s condition. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with the latter most likely to be omitted if the spinner enters the starting XI. Ground Conditions Favor Seamers The England coach had been anticipated to choose an pace-only lineup on a venue that has hosted several past matches. During these matches, the majority of dismissals have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin bowling. Of those spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have just a handful. On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a side relying on fast bowlers is still the more likely choice. Alternative Choices Considered Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some spin while also strengthening the batting lineup. However the coach has chosen to keep faith with Bashir, having said earlier this year that he would be his preferred spinner for the Ashes. In July, Lyon described the English spinner as “OK,” adding that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still England’s best spinner.” “It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who haven’t done it in the past in Australian pitches,” he remarked of slow bowling in matches Down Under. “I won't let my secrets out so opponents perform and perform well out here.” English Selected Team for Opening Match Ben Stokes (c) The Pace Bowler Gus Atkinson The Spinner The Batsman The Fast Bowler The Opener The Batsman The Middle-Order Joe Root Jamie Smith (wk) The Speedster