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England have opted for a 12-man squad just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir earning a unexpected spot.

Bashir's selection indicates that the visiting team will delay until the morning of the initial match to determine whether Perth Stadium pitch favor four seamers or the inclusion of a spinner.

Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man squad, indicating there are no concerns about either fast bowler's fitness.

The other seamers complete the bowling group, with the latter expected to miss out if Bashir enters the final team.

Pitch Factors Lean Toward Pace Bowlers

The England coach had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has hosted five previous Tests.

In those matches, the majority of dismissals have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin.

Among these spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight.

On a ground known for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side relying on fast bowlers is still the more likely choice.

Spin Options Considered

There had been speculation that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to provide some spin while also strengthening the batting lineup.

However the coach has chosen to stick with Bashir, having said previously that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the Ashes.

Earlier, Lyon described the English spinner as “decent,” saying that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still the English best spinner.”

“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who haven’t done it in the previous in Australian pitches,” Lyon remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests.

“I won't reveal my strategies so opponents come out and perform well out here.”

England Selected Team for First Ashes Test

• The Captain
• Jofra Archer
• Gus Atkinson
• Shoaib Bashir
• Harry Brook
• Brydon Carse
• The Opener
• Ben Duckett
• The Middle-Order
• The Veteran
• The Wicketkeeper
• Mark Wood