🔗 Share this article The Young Spinner Earns Unexpected Selection in English Test Series Team England have opted for a 12-man squad just two days ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir securing a unexpected spot. The 22-year-old’s inclusion indicates that the visiting team will delay until the morning of the initial match to determine whether the venue conditions favor a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spin bowler. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the 12-man squad, showing there are no doubts about their fast bowler's fitness. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the bowling group, with the latter expected to miss out if Bashir enters the starting XI. Ground Conditions Lean Toward Seamers Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has hosted several previous Tests. During these games, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin. Of those 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have just a handful. At a venue known for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on fast bowlers is still the more likely decision. Alternative Choices Considered Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the side to provide some slow bowling while additionally strengthening the lower order. However the coach has opted to keep faith with the young spinner, having said previously that he would be his first-choice spinner for the Ashes. In July, Nathan Lyon described the English spinner as “OK,” saying that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still England’s top slow bowler.” “This is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who haven’t done it in the previous in these conditions,” Lyon said of slow bowling in Australian Tests. “I’m not going to reveal my strategies so they perform and excel out here.” English 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test Ben Stokes (c) Jofra Archer The Seamer The Spinner The Batsman Brydon Carse Zak Crawley The Batsman Ollie Pope The Veteran The Wicketkeeper The Speedster