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The English side has maintained flexibility for the first Ashes Test by naming off-spinner the young spinner in a squad of twelve together with five seamers

The fast bowler has recovered and is expected to participate against Australia in Perth on Friday, with the last selection possibly involving the young spinner and pace bowler the seamer

Pitch Conditions

If England opt for an pace-only bowling lineup - four main pacers plus all-rounder Ben Stokes - it would arguably be the quickest collection of bowlers they have fielded in an Ashes match in this country

On Wednesday WA wicket preparer Isaac McDonald stated to expect "fast and bouncy conditions" from the pitch at Perth Stadium, and it appears probable England will adhere to a long-standing plan of an fast bowling focus

But the tourists have also spotted a lack of moisture to the pitch, bringing the spinner into consideration

Slow Bowling Factors

During the brief existence of this venue - five earlier Tests have been staged here - Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon is the leading wicket-taker with 29

England have supported Shoaib, 22 years old, as their primary spin option for since last year and in spring he achieved the least experienced English bowler to attain half-century of wickets in Test matches

Yet he has been absent from a official match after claiming the concluding scalp in a exciting triumph over the Indian team in the third Test at the famous ground in recently

Recent Issues

Bashir has been recovering from a hand problem and struggled in England's only warm-up match against the Lions, recording match figures of 2-151 from 24 overs

This creates the possibility of the spinner playing in an Test against Australia without being attached to a first-class side

His deal at Somerset ended at the conclusion of the domestic season

Likely Lineup

Nevertheless, an English side containing Mark Wood, Archer, Gus Atkinson, leader Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse - every one of them are able to achieve high speeds - remains the most likely outcome

The first Test commences at 2:20 AM GMT on Friday, with real-time updates, Test Match Special commentary and live action clips accessible

Playing Group

England squad for series opener: Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (leader), Smith (wicketkeeper), Atkinson, Carse, Wood, Jofra Archer, Bashir

Past Experience

Even though a number of English Ashes victories at home and abroad have been built on pace, they have not previously selected as numerous fast bowlers in the identical lineup

The team that won at domestically in the memorable competition of 2005 Ashes featured Harmison, Simon Jones and Andrew Flintoff

Illingworth's winning English side to Australia in those years had Willis, Peter Lever and John Snow, and the visiting team that triumphed in those seasons included Brian Statham and Frank 'Typhoon' Tyson

Present Circumstances

In this instance - one of the most eagerly anticipated Test series in recent years - England are hoping to reverse an awful record - they have failed to win a Test in Australia since that year

Merely five individuals of the extended squad have participated in a international Test in the host nation, but the bowler comments that could work in England's favour

"This might be an benefit," he told media outlets

"We've seen a many cricketers who have mentioned they have had difficult experiences in this country

"In our case, we are a extremely composed, very positive group

"No scarring

"It's thrilling

"Everyone considers it a massive chance to achieve something remarkable"

Australian Preparations

The host team's practice session on Wednesday was temporarily interrupted by the threat of lightning

The hosts are likely to give a debut to batsman Weatherald, with new pace bowler Brendan Doggett also being included following fitness concerns to captain Pat Cummins and colleague Josh Hazlewood