🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Selection in English Test Series Team England have chosen a twelve-player selection just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir earning a unexpected place. The 22-year-old’s selection indicates that the tourists will delay until the day of the initial match to determine whether the venue conditions suit four seamers or the addition of a spinner. Both pace bowlers are part of the selected squad, showing there are no concerns about either pace bowler’s fitness. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with Carse expected to be omitted if the spinner enters the starting XI. Ground Conditions Lean Toward Seamers The England coach had been expected to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has hosted several past matches. During these games, 134 wickets have been taken by seamers, with only 40 to spin bowling. Among these spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has claimed 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have just a handful. At a venue known for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, stated that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers is still the probable decision. Spin Options Considered Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be brought into the team to offer some spin while also bolstering the batting lineup. However the coach has chosen to keep faith with Bashir, having said earlier this year that he would be his first-choice spinner for the Ashes. In July, Lyon commented on the English spinner as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still the English top slow bowler.” “This is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who lack experience in the past in Australian pitches,” Lyon said of slow bowling in matches Down Under. “I won't let my secrets out so they come out and perform well out here.” England Selected Team for First Ashes Test The Captain Jofra Archer Gus Atkinson Shoaib Bashir Harry Brook Brydon Carse The Opener Ben Duckett Ollie Pope The Veteran The Wicketkeeper The Speedster