🔗 Share this article The Young Spinner Earns Surprise Inclusion in England's Test Series Squad The English team has chosen a 12-man selection just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise place. The 22-year-old’s selection indicates that the tourists will delay until the morning of the first Test to determine whether the venue conditions suit a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spin bowler. Both pace bowlers are included in the selected squad, showing there are no doubts about their fast bowler's condition. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with Carse expected to be omitted if Bashir enters the starting XI. Ground Conditions Lean Toward Pace Bowlers The England coach had been anticipated to choose an pace-only lineup on a ground that has staged five past matches. During these games, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only a small number to spin. Among these 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed 29, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight. On a ground known for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, stated that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a side loaded with fast bowlers is still the more likely choice. Spin Options Weighed There had been speculation that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the team to offer some slow bowling while also strengthening the lower order. But McCullum has opted to stick with Bashir, having stated earlier this year that he would be his first-choice spinner for the Ashes. Earlier, Lyon described Bashir as “decent,” adding that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still England’s best spinner.” “It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who haven’t done it in the past in Australian pitches,” he remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests. “I won't let my secrets out so opponents come out and excel out here.” England Selected Team for Opening Match The Captain Jofra Archer Gus Atkinson Shoaib Bashir Harry Brook The Fast Bowler Zak Crawley The Batsman The Middle-Order The Veteran Jamie Smith (wk) Mark Wood