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The English side has left decisions open for the series opener by naming spin bowler Bashir in a squad of twelve together with five pace bowlers

The fast bowler has been passed fit and appears likely to feature facing the hosts in Perth Stadium on Friday, with the ultimate choice likely between off-spinner Bashir and fast bowler Brydon Carse

Pitch Conditions

Should England choose an fast bowling unit - four dedicated bowlers plus all-rounder Ben Stokes - it would possibly be the most rapid assembly of seamers they have used in an Test against Australia in this country

Recently local groundsman Isaac McDonald stated to expect "speed and bounce" from the surface at the venue, and it seems likely the English will follow a established strategy of an fast bowling focus

However the tourists have also noted a dryness to the surface, bringing Bashir into the running

Spinning Options

During the brief existence of Perth Stadium - five earlier Tests have been staged here - Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon is the leading wicket-taker with twenty-nine

The team have supported Shoaib, twenty-two, as their first-choice spinner for over twelve months and in May he became the least experienced English bowler to reach half-century of wickets in international Tests

Yet he has been absent from a competitive game following taking the last dismissal in a thrilling win over the Indian team in the third Test at Lord's in recently

Recent Issues

He has been suffering from a hand problem and struggled in the single preparation match against England Lions, recording match figures of two wickets for 151 runs from 24 overs

This presents the scenario of the spinner competing in an Test against Australia without being affiliated with a first-class side

The agreement at Somerset expired at the finish of the English season

Expected Selection

However, an visiting team containing Wood, Jofra Archer, Atkinson, skipper Stokes and Carse - all of whom are capable of reaching high speeds - remains the most likely outcome

The opening match begins at early morning GMT on the weekend, with real-time updates, expert analysis and live action clips accessible

England Squad

Team lineup for initial Ashes match: Duckett, Crawley, Pope, Joe Root, Brook, Ben Stokes (leader), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Atkinson, Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Bashir

Past Experience

While a various successful Ashes campaigns at domestically and internationally have been built on pace, they have not previously selected as numerous fast bowlers in the identical lineup

The lineup that triumphed at in England in the famous series of 2005 featured Harmison, Simon Jones and Andrew Flintoff

Illingworth's successful touring team to Australia in 1970-71 had Willis, Lever and John Snow, and the England team that won in 1954-55 included Brian Statham and Frank 'Typhoon' Tyson

Modern Context

On this occasion - among the most highly anticipated Ashes series in modern times - the English team are looking to reverse an difficult past - they have been unable to secure a Test match in the host country since over a decade ago

Just five players of the sixteen-player group have experienced a Test match in Australia, but the bowler says that could benefit the English team

"It could be an positive," he explained to media outlets

"There are a lot of players who have stated they have had some tough times in this country

"In our case, we are a very relaxed, highly optimistic group

"No bad memories

"It's exhilarating

"Everyone considers it a great possibility to create history"

Opposition News

The host team's practice session on Wednesday was momentarily paused by the risk of storms

The hosts are probably going to hand a first cap to batsman Weatherald, with new pace bowler Doggett also being included following injuries to skipper Pat Cummins and fellow seamer Hazlewood