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The English team has opted for a twelve-player squad just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir earning a unexpected spot.

The 22-year-old’s selection suggests that the visiting team will delay until the day of the first Test to determine whether the venue conditions suit a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spin bowler.

Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the 12-man group, showing there are no doubts about either pace bowler’s condition.

The other seamers complete the bowling group, with the latter expected to miss out if the spinner makes the final team.

Ground Conditions Lean Toward Seamers

Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to choose an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged five past matches.

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

Of those 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have just a handful.

On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, pledged that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers remains the probable choice.

Spin Options Considered

There had been speculation that Will Jacks could be brought into the team to offer some slow bowling while also bolstering the batting lineup.

But the coach has chosen to keep faith with Bashir, having said earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series.

In July, Nathan Lyon commented on the English spinner as “OK,” saying that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s top slow bowler.”

“This is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for people who lack experience in the past in these conditions,” he remarked of spin bowling in matches Down Under.

“I won't let my secrets out so opponents come out and perform well out here.”

England 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test

• The Captain
• Jofra Archer
• The Seamer
• Shoaib Bashir
• The Batsman
• Brydon Carse
• Zak Crawley
• The Batsman
• Ollie Pope
• Joe Root
• Jamie Smith (wk)
• Mark Wood