🔗 Share this article Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Inclusion in English Test Series Team England have opted for a twelve-player selection just two days ahead of the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise spot. Bashir's inclusion indicates that the tourists will delay until the morning of the first Test to decide whether the venue conditions suit four seamers or the addition of a spinner. Both pace bowlers are included in the 12-man group, showing there are no doubts about either pace bowler’s condition. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the bowling group, with Carse most likely to miss out if the spinner enters the starting XI. Ground Conditions Lean Toward Seamers The England coach had been anticipated to choose an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged five previous Tests. During these matches, 134 wickets have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin bowling. Among these 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed 29, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight. On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers is still the more likely choice. Alternative Choices Considered Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some slow bowling while additionally strengthening the lower order. However the coach has opted to keep faith with the young spinner, having stated previously that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes. In July, Nathan Lyon commented on the English spinner as “decent,” saying that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still England’s top slow bowler.” “It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for people who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions,” he said of spin bowling in Australian Tests. “I’m not going to let my secrets out so they come out and perform well out here.” English Selected Team for Opening Match Ben Stokes (c) Jofra Archer Gus Atkinson Shoaib Bashir The Batsman The Fast Bowler The Opener Ben Duckett The Middle-Order Joe Root The Wicketkeeper The Speedster