England have kept their cards close to their chest ahead of the first Ashes Test in Perth, naming a 12-man squad that includes off-spinner Shoaib Bashir alongside a formidable pack of express quicks. With Mark Wood passed fit after hamstring soreness and bowling with serious heat in training, the visitors look increasingly likely to unleash an all-pace attack for the series opener starting Friday.

The final call rests between Bashir and seamer Brydon Carse, a decision heavily influenced by conditions at the traditionally quick and bouncy Perth Stadium. Pitch curator Isaac McDonald has promised plenty of pace and carry, aligning with England’s long-held plan to go all-seam. But with signs of dryness on the surface, Bashir remains firmly in the conversation.

Bashir’s Return and England’s Pace Gamble Shape Ashes Opener

Despite struggling in the lone warm-up match after returning from a broken finger, Bashir has earned England’s trust over the past year. The 22-year-old became the youngest English bowler to reach 50 Test wickets earlier this year and has been the team’s preferred spinner in red-ball cricket. His selection would mark the rare instance of an England player appearing in an Ashes Test without currently being attached to a county side.

However, the prospect of an attack featuring Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Stokes, and Carse, all touching 90mph, has drawn comparisons to the fastest English outfits of the past, including the storied 2005 and 1970-71 touring groups. With only five players in the squad having Test experience in Australia, England believe their lack of “scarring” could be a hidden advantage.

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Atkinson echoed that sentiment, saying the group’s freshness brings clarity rather than fear: “No scars. A huge opportunity to do something special.”

Australia, meanwhile, are set to debut opener Jake Weatherald and may hand a first Test cap to quick Brendan Doggett following injuries to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. With both sides dealing with new faces and fresh dynamics, the opening Test promises a fiery start to what is already shaping as a blockbuster Ashes summer.

Squads

England 12-man squad for 1st Test:
Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Mark Wood.

Australia squad (1st Test):
Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.