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The English team has opted for a 12-man selection just 48 hours before the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a unexpected spot.

Bashir's inclusion indicates that the visiting team will delay until the morning of the initial match to decide whether Perth Stadium pitch suit four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler.

Both pace bowlers are included in the 12-man squad, indicating there are no doubts about their pace bowler’s fitness.

Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the bowling group, with Carse expected to miss out if Bashir enters the final team.

Ground Conditions Lean Toward Pace Bowlers

The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has staged several past matches.

In those games, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin bowling.

Among these 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have only eight.

On a ground known for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, stated that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on fast bowlers remains the probable decision.

Alternative Choices Considered

Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be brought into the team to provide some spin while additionally bolstering the batting lineup.

But the coach has opted to keep faith with Bashir, having said previously that he would be his preferred spinner for the Ashes.

Earlier, Lyon described Bashir as “decent,” adding that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s best spinner.”

“This is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for people who haven’t done it in the previous in these conditions,” he remarked of spin bowling in matches Down Under.

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

English 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test

• The Captain
• The Pace Bowler
• Gus Atkinson
• The Spinner
• Harry Brook
• Brydon Carse
• The Opener
• The Batsman
• The Middle-Order
• The Veteran
• Jamie Smith (wk)
• Mark Wood