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England have left decisions open for the series opener by including spin bowler Bashir in a twelve-player team combined with five seamers

The fast bowler is declared fit and appears likely to feature facing the hosts in Perth on Friday, with the last selection possibly coming down to off-spinner Bashir and pace bowler Brydon Carse

Ground Situation

Should England choose an fast bowling unit - four main pacers combined with all-rounder the captain - it would arguably be the most rapid assembly of pacemen they have fielded in an Test against Australia in the host nation

Recently local pitch curator the curator stated to expect "fast and bouncy conditions" from the pitch at the venue, and it looks possible England will follow a traditional approach of an pace-only strategy

But the visitors have also noted a lack of moisture to the pitch, bringing Bashir into the running

Spinning Options

Throughout the limited timeframe of this venue - five earlier Tests have been played here - Australia off-spinner Lyon is the most successful bowler with 29 dismissals

England have favored Shoaib, 22, as their primary spin option for more than a year and in May he was recognized as the youngest England bowler to reach 50 wickets in Test matches

However he has been absent from a first-class game since securing the concluding scalp in a dramatic victory over India in the third Test at Lord's in summer

Recent Issues

Bashir has been recovering from a finger injury and found it difficult in the sole practice game against the Lions, posting overall statistics of two wickets for 151 runs from 24 overs

This creates the prospect of him participating in an Test against Australia without being attached to a county

His deal at the domestic team ended at the finish of the English season

Likely Lineup

Still, an English side containing Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, captain Stokes and Brydon Carse - every one of them are likely to hit 90mph - remains the expected conclusion

The opening match commences at early morning GMT on Friday, with live text coverage, Test Match Special commentary and live action clips available

Team Selection

Team lineup for series opener: Ben Duckett, Crawley, Pope, Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (leader), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Bashir

Historical Context

Even though a various English Ashes victories at home and abroad have been built on pace, they have not previously used as numerous fast bowlers in the equivalent side

The team that triumphed at home in the memorable competition of that year contained Harmison, Jones and Andrew Flintoff

Raymond Illingworth's winning English side to Australia in those years had Willis, Peter Lever and John Snow, and the English side that won in 1954-55 contained Brian Statham and Tyson

Present Circumstances

In this instance - potentially the most exciting England-Australia contests in recent years - England are hoping to reverse an poor history - they have been unable to secure a Test in the host country since that year

Merely five individuals of the extended squad have participated in a international Test in the host nation, but Atkinson says that could benefit the English team

"It could be an advantage," he told reporters

"There have been a numerous athletes who have stated they have had challenging periods in this country

"Regarding our team, we are a extremely composed, extremely confident squad

"No bad memories

"It's exhilarating

"Everyone considers it a huge opportunity to do something special"

Host Team Situation

The Australian practice session on Wednesday was momentarily paused by the threat of lightning

The home side are likely to hand a first cap to opener Jack Weatherald, with new seamer Brendan Doggett also joining after injuries to captain Cummins and fellow seamer Hazlewood