The Young Spinner Makes Surprise Selection in English Ashes Team

England have opted for a 12-man selection just two days ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir securing a unexpected spot.

The 22-year-old’s selection indicates that the tourists will delay until the day of the initial match to determine whether Perth Stadium pitch suit a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spinner.

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

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

Pitch Factors Lean Toward Seamers

The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has hosted five past matches.

During these matches, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only 40 to spin bowling.

Of those spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have only eight.

At a venue renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side loaded with fast bowlers is still the more likely decision.

Spin Options Considered

Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be brought into the side to offer some slow bowling while additionally strengthening the lower order.

But McCullum has chosen to keep faith with the young spinner, having said previously that he would be his preferred spinner for the series.

In July, Lyon described Bashir as “OK,” adding that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still England’s top slow bowler.”

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

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

England Selected Team for First Ashes Test

• The Captain
• Jofra Archer
• Gus Atkinson
• The Spinner
• Harry Brook
• The Fast Bowler
• The Opener
• Ben Duckett
• The Middle-Order
• Joe Root
• The Wicketkeeper
• The Speedster