🔗 Share this article The Young Spinner Earns Surprise Selection in English Ashes Team The English team has chosen a 12-man squad just two days before the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a surprise spot. The 22-year-old’s inclusion indicates that the tourists will wait until the day of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium pitch favor four seamers or the addition of a spinner. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the 12-man group, showing there are no concerns about their pace bowler’s condition. The other seamers complete the attack, with Carse expected to miss out if Bashir makes the final team. Pitch Factors Favor Pace Bowlers The England coach had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has hosted several previous Tests. In those matches, the majority of dismissals have fallen to pace bowling, with only a small number to spin bowling. Among these spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has taken 29, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight. On a ground renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on fast bowlers is still the probable decision. Spin Options Weighed Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be brought into the side to provide some spin while also bolstering the lower order. But the coach has chosen to keep faith with the young spinner, having said previously that he would be his preferred spinner for the Ashes. In July, Lyon commented on Bashir as “OK,” saying that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English best spinner.” “This is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for people who haven’t done it in the previous in Australian pitches,” Lyon said of slow bowling in matches Down Under. “I won't let my secrets out so opponents perform and excel out here.” England Selected Team for Opening Match Ben Stokes (c) The Pace Bowler The Seamer Shoaib Bashir Harry Brook The Fast Bowler Zak Crawley Ben Duckett Ollie Pope Joe Root The Wicketkeeper The Speedster