🔗 Share this article The Young Spinner Makes Unexpected Selection in English Ashes Team The English team has chosen a twelve-player selection just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise place. Bashir's inclusion indicates that the tourists will wait until the day of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions favor four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the selected group, showing there are no concerns about their fast bowler's fitness. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with the latter most likely to miss out if Bashir makes the final team. Ground Conditions Lean Toward Pace Bowlers The England coach had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has hosted several previous Tests. In those matches, the majority of dismissals have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin bowling. Among these spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has taken 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have only eight. At a venue renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side loaded with seamers remains the more likely choice. Alternative Choices Considered Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the team to provide some slow bowling while additionally bolstering the lower order. But the coach has opted to keep faith with Bashir, having stated earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series. In July, Lyon commented on the English spinner as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner 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 these conditions,” Lyon said of spin bowling in Australian Tests. “I’m not going to reveal my strategies so opponents come out and perform well out here.” English 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test Ben Stokes (c) The Pace Bowler The Seamer The Spinner Harry Brook Brydon Carse Zak Crawley Ben Duckett The Middle-Order The Veteran The Wicketkeeper Mark Wood