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The English team has chosen a 12-man squad just 48 hours before the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir earning a unexpected spot.

Bashir's inclusion indicates that the visiting team will delay until the day of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium conditions suit a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler.

Both pace bowlers are included in the 12-man squad, showing there are no doubts about their fast bowler's condition.

The other seamers round out the attack, with Carse expected to miss out if Bashir enters the starting XI.

Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers

Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has staged several previous Tests.

During these matches, the majority of dismissals have been taken by seamers, with only a small number to spin.

Of those spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed 29, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight.

On a ground renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers is still the probable choice.

Spin Options Considered

There had been speculation that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the team to provide some spin while additionally strengthening the lower order.

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

Earlier, Nathan Lyon described Bashir as “decent,” saying that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still England’s best spinner.”

“It is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who lack experience in the past in these conditions,” he said of slow bowling in matches Down Under.

“I’m not going to let my secrets out so they perform and perform well out here.”

England 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test

• Ben Stokes (c)
• Jofra Archer
• Gus Atkinson
• The Spinner
• Harry Brook
• The Fast Bowler
• Zak Crawley
• The Batsman
• Ollie Pope
• Joe Root
• The Wicketkeeper
• The Speedster