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England have maintained flexibility for the first Ashes Test by selecting off-spinner the young spinner in a squad of twelve combined with five fast bowlers

The fast bowler has recovered and is expected to participate facing the hosts in Perth on Friday, with the final decision likely between spinner Bashir and pace bowler Brydon Carse

Ground Situation

If England opt for an pace-only bowling lineup - four main pacers plus all-rounder Stokes - it would potentially be the quickest collection of pacemen they have used in an Ashes match in the host nation

On Wednesday local pitch curator Isaac McDonald said to look for "fast and bouncy conditions" from the pitch at Perth Stadium, and it appears probable the English will stick to a long-standing plan of an pace-only strategy

But the visitors have also observed a dryness to the wicket, putting the spinner into the running

Slow Bowling Factors

In the short history of Perth Stadium - five earlier Tests have been staged here - Australian spin bowler Nathan Lyon is the leading wicket-taker with 29

The English management have supported Bashir, 22 years old, as their main slow bowler for over twelve months and in May he became the youngest England bowler to reach fifty wickets in Tests

But he has been absent from a competitive game after securing the last dismissal in a exciting triumph over the Indian team in the final Test at the famous ground in July

Recent Challenges

Bashir has been suffering from a hand problem and found it difficult in the sole practice game against the Lions, returning combined figures of 2-151 from 24 overs

It also raises the scenario of him playing in an Ashes Test without being contracted with a county

His deal at Somerset concluded at the finish of the English season

Probable Team

However, an English side including Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Atkinson, captain Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse - all of whom are able to achieve 90mph - stays the expected conclusion

The first Test starts at early morning GMT on Friday, with real-time updates, specialist radio coverage and live action clips provided

Playing Group

Selected players for first Ashes Test: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (skipper), Smith (gloveman), Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Bashir

Historical Context

Although a various England Ashes triumphs at in England and overseas have been founded on quick bowling, they have not previously used as many express pace bowlers in the equivalent side

The side that won at domestically in the famous series of that year included Harmison, Jones and Andrew Flintoff

Raymond Illingworth's triumphant visitors to Australia in 1970-71 had Bob Willis, Peter Lever and Snow, and the visiting team that won in those seasons included Statham and Tyson

Current Situation

On this occasion - potentially the most exciting Ashes series in modern times - the English team are hoping to reverse an difficult past - they have failed to win a Test match in Australia since that year

Merely five individuals of the 16-man squad have experienced a international Test in Australia, but the bowler comments that could benefit the English team

"This could represent an positive," he mentioned to the press

"We've seen a lot of players who have mentioned they have had some tough times down under

"In our case, we are a very relaxed, very positive squad

"No scarring

"It's exhilarating

"We all see it as a huge opportunity to do something special"

Opposition News

The Australian practice session on Wednesday was briefly delayed by the possibility of bad weather

The hosts are likely to provide an opportunity to opener Jack Weatherald, with new pace bowler Doggett also being included after injuries to skipper Cummins and fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood