🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Earns Unexpected Selection in English Ashes Team England have chosen a 12-man selection just 48 hours before the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a surprise place. Bashir's selection indicates that the visiting team will wait until the day of the initial match to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions suit a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spin bowler. Both pace bowlers are included in the 12-man squad, indicating there are no doubts about either fast bowler's fitness. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with the latter expected to be omitted if the spinner makes the final team. Ground Conditions Lean Toward Seamers Brendon McCullum had been expected to choose an all-seam attack on a venue that has staged several previous Tests. In those games, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin. Of those spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has taken 29, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight. On a ground renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, stated that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a side relying on seamers remains the probable choice. Alternative Choices Considered Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the side to offer some spin while also strengthening the lower order. However the coach has opted to stick with the young spinner, having said earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series. Earlier, Nathan Lyon described the English spinner as “decent,” adding that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still England’s top slow bowler.” “This is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who lack experience in the previous in these conditions,” he said of spin bowling in Australian Tests. “I’m not going to reveal my strategies so they perform and perform well out here.” English 12-man Squad for Opening Match The Captain Jofra Archer Gus Atkinson Shoaib Bashir Harry Brook Brydon Carse The Opener The Batsman The Middle-Order The Veteran The Wicketkeeper The Speedster