🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Earns Surprise Inclusion in English Test Series Squad England have opted for a twelve-player selection just two days ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a unexpected place. Bashir's selection indicates that the visiting team will wait until the morning of the first Test to decide whether the venue pitch suit a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spin bowler. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the selected squad, showing there are no concerns about their pace bowler’s condition. The other seamers round out the bowling group, with the latter expected to be omitted if Bashir makes the final team. Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged five previous Tests. During these games, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin. Among these 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have only eight. At a venue renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team loaded with fast bowlers remains the probable decision. Spin Options Considered Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be brought into the side to offer some slow bowling while also strengthening the batting lineup. But McCullum has opted to stick with the young spinner, having said earlier this year that he would be his first-choice spinner for the series. In July, Nathan Lyon described Bashir as “decent,” saying that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s top slow bowler.” “It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who lack experience in the past in these conditions,” Lyon said of spin bowling in Australian Tests. “I’m not going to reveal my strategies so opponents perform and excel out here.” England 12-man Squad for Opening Match Ben Stokes (c) Jofra Archer The Seamer Shoaib Bashir The Batsman The Fast Bowler The Opener The Batsman Ollie Pope Joe Root The Wicketkeeper Mark Wood