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The English team has opted for a twelve-player selection just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a unexpected spot.

Bashir's selection suggests that the visiting team will delay until the day of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions suit a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler.

Both pace bowlers are part of the selected group, showing there are no doubts about either pace bowler’s condition.

The other seamers complete the attack, with the latter most likely to miss out if the spinner enters the final team.

Pitch Factors Favor Pace Bowlers

The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has staged five previous Tests.

In those games, the majority of dismissals have been taken by 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 only eight.

At a venue known for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, stated that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a side loaded with seamers remains the more likely choice.

Alternative Choices Considered

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

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

Earlier, Lyon described Bashir as “decent,” adding that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still England’s best spinner.”

“This is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who haven’t done it in the past in Australian pitches,” Lyon said of slow bowling in matches Down Under.

“I’m not going to let my secrets out so opponents come out and excel out here.”

England 12-man Squad for Opening Match

• The Captain
• Jofra Archer
• The Seamer
• Shoaib Bashir
• Harry Brook
• The Fast Bowler
• Zak Crawley
• Ben Duckett
• The Middle-Order
• Joe Root
• The Wicketkeeper
• The Speedster