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The English team has opted for a 12-man selection just two days ahead of the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise spot.

Bashir's selection suggests that the tourists will wait until the day of the first Test to determine whether the venue conditions suit a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler.

Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the selected squad, indicating there are no concerns about either pace bowler’s condition.

The other seamers complete the bowling group, with the latter most likely to be omitted if the spinner makes the final team.

Pitch Factors Lean Toward Pace Bowlers

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

In those games, 134 wickets have fallen to seamers, with only a small number to spin bowling.

Of those 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers together have only eight.

On a ground known for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers is still the more likely decision.

Alternative Choices Weighed

Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be brought into the team to offer some spin while additionally strengthening the lower order.

But McCullum has chosen to keep faith with Bashir, having stated previously that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series.

In July, Lyon described Bashir as “OK,” adding that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English best spinner.”

“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who haven’t done it in the previous in these conditions,” he said of spin bowling in Australian Tests.

“I won't let my secrets out so they perform and perform well out here.”

England 12-man Squad for Opening Match

• Ben Stokes (c)
• The Pace Bowler
• Gus Atkinson
• Shoaib Bashir
• The Batsman
• Brydon Carse
• Zak Crawley
• The Batsman
• The Middle-Order
• Joe Root
• The Wicketkeeper
• The Speedster