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England have left decisions open for the series opener by including off-spinner the young spinner in a squad of twelve alongside five fast bowlers

The fast bowler has recovered and is expected to participate facing the hosts in Perth Stadium on Friday, with the ultimate choice probably involving the young spinner and seamer Carse

Pitch Conditions

Should England choose an pace-only bowling lineup - four dedicated bowlers combined with multi-skilled player Stokes - it would possibly be the fastest group of bowlers they have used in an Test against Australia in the host nation

Earlier this week WA wicket preparer Isaac McDonald stated to expect "fast and bouncy conditions" from the pitch at the venue, and it looks possible England will adhere to a established strategy of an pace-only strategy

However the visitors have also noted a arid quality to the pitch, putting Bashir into the running

Slow Bowling Factors

In the short history of Perth Stadium - five prior matches have been staged here - Australian spin bowler Lyon is the most successful bowler with 29

England have favored Shoaib, 22 years old, as their main slow bowler for over twelve months and in recent months he became the least experienced English bowler to reach fifty wickets in international Tests

However he has missed a competitive game following taking the last dismissal in a thrilling win over the Indian team in the final Test at Lord's in summer

Recent Issues

He has been out with a broken finger and found it difficult in the single preparation match against the Lions, returning combined figures of 2-151 from his bowling spell

It also raises the prospect of him participating in an Ashes Test without being affiliated with a first-class side

His deal at his county expired at the conclusion of the domestic season

Expected Selection

Nevertheless, an England team including Mark Wood, Archer, Atkinson, captain Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse - every one of them are capable of reaching 90 miles per hour - remains the expected conclusion

The opening match begins at early morning GMT on the weekend, with live text coverage, Test Match Special commentary and real-time features provided

England Squad

Selected players for series opener: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Brook, Ben Stokes (skipper), Smith (wk), Atkinson, Carse, Wood, Archer, Shoaib Bashir

Past Experience

While a several England Ashes triumphs at domestically and internationally have been constructed around fast bowling, they have not previously selected as numerous fast bowlers in the identical lineup

The lineup that triumphed at domestically in the celebrated contest of that year contained Harmison, Jones and Andrew Flintoff

Raymond Illingworth's triumphant visitors to the host nation in 1970-71 had Bob Willis, Lever and Snow, and the visiting team that triumphed in 1954-55 contained Brian Statham and Tyson

Current Situation

This time around - among the most highly anticipated England-Australia contests in modern times - England are aiming to change an poor history - they have been unable to secure a Test match in the host country since over a decade ago

Only five members of the extended squad have played a international Test in the host nation, but Atkinson says that could benefit the English team

"This could represent an benefit," he mentioned to reporters

"There have been a numerous athletes who have stated they have had difficult experiences down under

"In our case, we are a extremely composed, highly optimistic group

"No bad memories

"It's very exciting

"Everyone considers it a great possibility to do something special"

Host Team Situation

The Australian practice session on this week was temporarily interrupted by the threat of lightning

The hosts are expected to provide an opportunity to batsman Weatherald, with yet to debut seamer Brendan Doggett also joining due to injuries to skipper Cummins and teammate Hazlewood