🔗 Share this article The Young Spinner Earns Surprise Selection in English Test Series Squad England have opted for a 12-man selection just 48 hours before the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a unexpected place. The 22-year-old’s selection suggests that the tourists will delay until the day of the first Test to determine whether the venue pitch suit four seamers or the addition of a spin bowler. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the 12-man group, showing there are no concerns about their fast bowler's condition. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the bowling group, with the latter most likely to be omitted if Bashir enters the final team. Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an all-seam attack on a ground that has staged five past matches. In those matches, the majority of dismissals have fallen to seamers, with only a small number to spin bowling. Among these spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has claimed 29, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight. At a venue known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, pledged that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on fast bowlers is still the more likely choice. Spin Options Considered Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be brought into the team to offer some slow bowling while additionally strengthening the lower order. However McCullum has chosen to stick with Bashir, having said previously that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes. In July, Lyon commented on the English spinner as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s top slow bowler.” “It is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for people who lack experience in the previous in Australian pitches,” Lyon said of slow bowling in Australian Tests. “I won't let my secrets out so opponents perform and perform well out here.” English 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test The Captain Jofra Archer The Seamer Shoaib Bashir The Batsman Brydon Carse Zak Crawley The Batsman Ollie Pope Joe Root Jamie Smith (wk) The Speedster