🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Selection in England's Test Series Squad England have chosen a twelve-player squad just 48 hours before the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir securing a surprise spot. The 22-year-old’s inclusion indicates that the visiting team will delay until the morning of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium conditions suit four seamers or the addition of a spinner. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the selected squad, showing there are no doubts about either pace bowler’s condition. The other seamers round out the attack, with Carse most likely to miss out if Bashir enters the starting XI. Pitch Factors Favor Seamers The England coach had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has staged five past matches. In those matches, 134 wickets have been taken by seamers, with only 40 to spin. Of those 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers combined have just a handful. At a venue known for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, pledged that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side relying on fast bowlers remains the probable choice. Alternative Choices Considered Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the side to offer some spin while also bolstering the batting lineup. However the coach has opted to keep faith with the young spinner, having said previously that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes. Earlier, Nathan Lyon commented on the English spinner as “decent,” adding that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English best spinner.” “This is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who lack experience in the past in these conditions,” Lyon said of slow bowling in matches Down Under. “I’m not going to let my secrets out so opponents perform and perform well out here.” England Selected Team for First Ashes Test The Captain Jofra Archer The Seamer The Spinner The Batsman Brydon Carse The Opener The Batsman Ollie Pope The Veteran The Wicketkeeper The Speedster