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The English team has opted for a twelve-player selection just two days before 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 first Test to determine whether the venue conditions favor a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler.

Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the 12-man group, showing there are no doubts about either pace bowler’s fitness.

The other seamers round out the bowling group, with the latter expected to be omitted if Bashir makes the final team.

Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers

Brendon McCullum had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has hosted several previous Tests.

In those matches, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.

Among these 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed 29, while overseas slow bowlers together have only eight.

At a venue renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers is still the probable decision.

Spin Options Weighed

Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be brought into the side to provide some spin while additionally bolstering the batting lineup.

But the coach has opted to keep faith with the young spinner, having stated earlier this year that he would be his preferred spinner for the series.

Earlier, Lyon commented on Bashir as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s top slow bowler.”

“This is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for people who lack experience in the previous in Australian pitches,” he remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests.

“I’m not going to reveal my strategies so they perform and excel out here.”

England Selected Team for Opening Match

• Ben Stokes (c)
• The Pace Bowler
• The Seamer
• The Spinner
• Harry Brook
• The Fast Bowler
• The Opener
• Ben Duckett
• Ollie Pope
• The Veteran
• Jamie Smith (wk)
• The Speedster