🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Inclusion in English Test Series Team England have opted for a twelve-player selection just 48 hours before the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a unexpected place. Bashir's selection suggests that the tourists will delay until the day of the first Test to decide whether the venue pitch favor a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the 12-man squad, showing there are no concerns about either fast bowler's fitness. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the bowling group, with Carse most likely to miss out if Bashir enters the starting XI. Pitch Factors Lean Toward Seamers The England coach had been anticipated to choose an all-seam attack on a ground that has staged five past matches. During these games, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin. Of those 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers together have just a handful. On a ground renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, stated that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers remains the probable choice. Alternative Choices Weighed Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the side to offer some slow bowling while additionally strengthening the lower order. However McCullum has chosen to keep faith with Bashir, having said previously that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the series. In July, Nathan Lyon described Bashir 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 significant test for bowlers who lack experience in the past in Australian pitches,” Lyon said of spin bowling in Australian Tests. “I won't reveal my strategies so opponents perform and excel out here.” England 12-man Squad for Opening Match The Captain Jofra Archer The Seamer Shoaib Bashir The Batsman Brydon Carse Zak Crawley The Batsman The Middle-Order The Veteran Jamie Smith (wk) Mark Wood