🔗 Share this article The Young Spinner Earns Unexpected Selection in England's Ashes Team The English team has opted for a twelve-player squad just two days before the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir securing a unexpected place. The 22-year-old’s selection indicates that the tourists will wait until the morning of the first Test to decide whether the venue pitch suit four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler. Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man squad, showing there are no concerns about either fast bowler's fitness. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with Carse expected to be omitted if Bashir makes the starting XI. Pitch Factors Favor Seamers Brendon McCullum had been expected to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has hosted several past matches. During these matches, 134 wickets have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin. Of those 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken 29, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight. On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a side loaded with fast bowlers remains the more likely decision. Alternative Choices Considered Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some slow bowling while also bolstering the lower order. However the coach has opted to keep faith with Bashir, having said earlier this year that he would be his first-choice spinner for the series. Earlier, Nathan Lyon described Bashir as “decent,” adding that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still England’s top slow bowler.” “This is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who lack experience in the previous in these conditions,” he said of slow bowling in matches Down Under. “I’m not going to let my secrets out so opponents perform and excel out here.” England Selected Team for Opening Match The Captain The Pace Bowler Gus Atkinson Shoaib Bashir The Batsman Brydon Carse The Opener The Batsman Ollie Pope Joe Root The Wicketkeeper The Speedster