🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Earns Surprise Selection in England's Test Series Squad England have opted for a twelve-player selection just two days ahead of the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir earning a unexpected place. Bashir's inclusion indicates that the visiting team will wait until the day of the initial match to determine whether the venue conditions suit four seamers or the addition of a spin bowler. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the 12-man squad, showing there are no concerns about their pace bowler’s condition. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with Carse expected to miss out if the spinner makes the final team. Pitch Factors Favor Pace Bowlers Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to choose an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged five previous Tests. During these games, the majority of dismissals have been taken by pace bowling, with only 40 to spin. Among these spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight. At a venue renowned for its speed and carry, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side loaded with fast bowlers remains the more likely choice. Spin Options Considered There had been rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some slow bowling while additionally bolstering the batting lineup. But the coach has chosen to keep faith with Bashir, having stated previously that he would be his preferred spinner for the Ashes. Earlier, Lyon commented on the English spinner as “OK,” adding that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English best spinner.” “This is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for people who lack experience in the past in Australian pitches,” he remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests. “I’m not going to let my secrets out so opponents come out and perform well out here.” England Selected Team for Opening Match The Captain The Pace Bowler The Seamer The Spinner Harry Brook Brydon Carse The Opener The Batsman Ollie Pope Joe Root The Wicketkeeper Mark Wood