Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Inclusion in England's Ashes Team

The English team has opted for a 12-man squad just 48 hours before the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a unexpected place.

The 22-year-old’s inclusion indicates that the tourists will delay until the morning 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 selected group, indicating there are no concerns about either fast bowler's condition.

Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the bowling group, with the latter expected to miss out if Bashir enters the final team.

Ground Conditions Lean Toward Seamers

Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to choose an all-seam attack on a venue that has staged five past matches.

In those matches, 134 wickets have fallen to seamers, with only a small number to spin bowling.

Of those spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have just a handful.

At a venue known for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side loaded with fast bowlers is still the probable decision.

Spin Options Considered

There had been rumors that Will Jacks could be brought into the team to provide some spin while additionally bolstering the batting lineup.

However the coach has chosen to stick with Bashir, having stated earlier this year that he would be his first-choice spinner for the Ashes.

In July, Lyon commented on the English spinner as “decent,” saying that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still the English top slow bowler.”

“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who lack experience in the past in these conditions,” Lyon remarked of spin bowling in matches Down Under.

“I won't let my secrets out so opponents come out and excel out here.”

English 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test

• The Captain
• The Pace Bowler
• The Seamer
• The Spinner
• The Batsman
• Brydon Carse
• Zak Crawley
• Ben Duckett
• Ollie Pope
• Joe Root
• Jamie Smith (wk)
• Mark Wood