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England have opted for a twelve-player squad just 48 hours before the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise spot.

The 22-year-old’s selection indicates that the tourists will wait until the morning of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions favor a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spin bowler.

Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man squad, indicating there are no doubts about their pace bowler’s condition.

The other seamers complete the attack, with the latter expected to be omitted if Bashir enters the starting XI.

Pitch Factors Lean Toward Pace Bowlers

Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to choose an all-seam attack on a venue that has staged several past matches.

In those matches, the majority of dismissals have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin.

Among these spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have only eight.

On a ground renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers remains the probable decision.

Spin Options Considered

Previously there was speculation that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the team to offer some slow bowling while also strengthening the batting lineup.

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

In July, Nathan Lyon commented on Bashir as “OK,” saying that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English top slow bowler.”

“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for people who lack experience in the past in Australian pitches,” he remarked of slow bowling in Australian Tests.

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

English Selected Team for Opening Match

• Ben Stokes (c)
• Jofra Archer
• Gus Atkinson
• Shoaib Bashir
• The Batsman
• Brydon Carse
• The Opener
• The Batsman
• The Middle-Order
• Joe Root
• The Wicketkeeper
• Mark Wood