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The English side has kept their options open for the series opener by naming slow bowler the young spinner in a squad of twelve combined with five seamers

The fast bowler has recovered and is expected to participate versus the Aussies in Perth on the weekend, with the final decision possibly involving the young spinner and pace bowler Brydon Carse

Pitch Conditions

If England opt for an pace-only bowling lineup - four specialists plus all-rounder Ben Stokes - it would arguably be the quickest collection of bowlers they have deployed in an Ashes match in the host nation

Recently local wicket preparer Isaac McDonald stated to look for "fast and bouncy conditions" from the surface at Perth Stadium, and it looks possible the tourists will stick to a long-standing plan of an pace-only strategy

However the visitors have also spotted a lack of moisture to the wicket, bringing the spinner into consideration

Spinning Options

During the brief existence of Perth Stadium - five earlier Tests have been staged here - Australia off-spinner Lyon is the top wicket-taker with 29

England have supported Shoaib, twenty-two, as their primary spin option for since last year and in May he was recognized as the most youthful English bowler to achieve 50 wickets in international Tests

However he has not played a competitive game following taking the concluding scalp in a exciting triumph over India in the third Test at the famous ground in summer

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 for 151 from twenty-four overs

It also raises the prospect of Bashir competing in an Ashes Test without being contracted with a first-class side

His deal at his county ended at the finish of the English season

Probable Team

Nevertheless, an English side containing Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Atkinson, captain Stokes and Brydon Carse - every one of them are likely to hit 90 miles per hour - continues to be the expected conclusion

The first Test commences at 02:20 GMT on the weekend, with instant commentary, specialist radio coverage and real-time features accessible

England Squad

England squad for series opener: Duckett, Crawley, Ollie Pope, Root, Harry Brook, Stokes (skipper), Smith (gloveman), Gus Atkinson, Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir

Past Experience

While a several English Ashes victories at in England and overseas have been constructed around fast bowling, they have not previously used as many express pace bowlers in the identical lineup

The side that succeeded at domestically in the memorable competition of that year featured Steve Harmison, Simon Jones and Flintoff

The captain's winning English side to the host nation in that era had Bob Willis, Peter Lever and John Snow, and the visiting team that won in those seasons featured Brian Statham and Frank 'Typhoon' Tyson

Modern Context

In this instance - one of the most eagerly anticipated Test series in recent memory - the visitors are hoping to overturn an awful record - they have not won a Test in the host country since over a decade ago

Just five players of the extended squad have experienced a Test match in the host nation, but the bowler comments that could help the visitors

"This could represent an advantage," he told the press

"There have been a many cricketers who have stated they have had some tough times down under

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

"No negative experiences

"It's exhilarating

"Everyone considers it a massive chance to do something special"

Australian Preparations

Australia's practice session on Wednesday was temporarily interrupted by the threat of lightning

The hosts are expected to hand a first cap to opener Jack Weatherald, with uncapped seamer Doggett also joining after health issues to skipper Cummins and fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood