England have announced a 12-man squad for the first Ashes Test, with spinner Shoaib Bashir included as a potential option for the Perth encounter. The selection leaves open the possibility of fielding a specialist slow bowler, though conditions at the venue have historically favoured pace.
Both Jofra Archer and Mark Wood feature in the squad, signalling confidence in their fitness ahead of the series. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the pace-bowling contingent, with one likely to make way should Bashir earn selection.
Perth Stadium has hosted five previous Tests, where fast bowlers have claimed 134 wickets compared to 40 taken by spinners. Of those, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has accounted for 29, with visiting tweakers managing only eight between them. The pitch curator has confirmed the surface will maintain its characteristic pace and bounce.
Bashir’s inclusion comes after England coach Brendon McCullum earlier this year indicated the young spinner would be his preferred choice for the Ashes. There had been speculation about all-rounder Will Jacks providing part-time spin, but the selectors have kept faith with the specialist.
Lyon previously commented on Bashir’s potential, describing him as “OK” while maintaining that Jack Leach remained England’s best spinner. He noted the significant challenge for visiting slow bowlers in Australian conditions.
England squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Mark Wood.
