Shoaib Bashir Earns Surprise Selection in England's Test Series Team

England have opted for a twelve-player squad just two days before the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a unexpected place.

Bashir's selection indicates that the tourists will wait until the day of the first Test to determine whether the venue pitch suit four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler.

Both pace bowlers are included in the 12-man squad, showing there are no concerns about their pace bowler’s fitness.

The other seamers complete the bowling group, with Carse most likely to miss out if Bashir enters the starting XI.

Pitch Factors Favor Pace Bowlers

Brendon McCullum had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has hosted several previous Tests.

During these matches, 134 wickets have been taken by seamers, with only a small number to spin.

Among these 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have just a handful.

On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a side relying on fast bowlers is still the more likely decision.

Spin Options Weighed

Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be brought into the team to provide some slow bowling while additionally bolstering the batting lineup.

But McCullum has opted to keep faith with Bashir, having stated earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes.

In July, Lyon commented on Bashir as “OK,” adding that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still England’s best spinner.”

“This is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for people who haven’t done it in the previous in these conditions,” Lyon said of slow bowling in matches Down Under.

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

England 12-man Squad for Opening Match

• Ben Stokes (c)
• The Pace Bowler
• Gus Atkinson
• The Spinner
• Harry Brook
• Brydon Carse
• The Opener
• The Batsman
• Ollie Pope
• The Veteran
• The Wicketkeeper
• Mark Wood