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England have left decisions open for the initial Ashes match by selecting spin bowler Shoaib Bashir in a squad of twelve together with five fast bowlers

The fast bowler is declared fit and is expected to participate against Australia in Perth on Friday, with the ultimate choice possibly involving off-spinner Bashir and pace bowler the seamer

Pitch Conditions

If the visitors select an pace-only bowling lineup - four main pacers plus all-rounder Ben Stokes - it would potentially be the fastest group of bowlers they have deployed in an Ashes match in the host nation

Earlier this week WA pitch curator the curator commented to expect "speed and bounce" from the wicket at Perth Stadium, and it looks possible the tourists will follow a traditional approach of an exclusively pace attack

However the tourists have also noted a lack of moisture to the wicket, bringing the off-spinner into the running

Spinning Options

During the brief existence of Perth Stadium - five earlier Tests have been played here - Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon is the top wicket-taker with 29 dismissals

England have backed Shoaib, 22, as their primary spin option for more than a year and in spring he achieved the most youthful English bowler to achieve 50 wickets in Test matches

However he has been absent from a official match following claiming the final wicket in a thrilling win over the Indian team in the third match at Lord's in summer

Recent Challenges

Bashir has been recovering from a hand problem and struggled in England's only warm-up match against the development squad, recording combined figures of 2-151 from his bowling spell

This creates the possibility of the spinner competing in an Ashes match without being affiliated with a county

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

Probable Team

Still, an English side featuring Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Atkinson, skipper Stokes and Carse - every one of them are likely to hit 90mph - continues to be the most likely outcome

The first Test commences at 02:20 GMT on the weekend, with instant commentary, expert analysis and in-play highlights provided

Team Selection

England squad for series opener: Duckett, Zak Crawley, Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Stokes (skipper), Jamie Smith (wk), Atkinson, Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir

Past Experience

Although a several successful Ashes campaigns at domestically and internationally have been constructed around fast bowling, they have not previously used as multiple quick bowlers in the equivalent side

The lineup that succeeded at in England in the memorable competition of 2005 Ashes contained Steve Harmison, Simon Jones and Andrew Flintoff

Raymond Illingworth's successful touring team to the host nation in those years had Willis, Lever and Snow, and the England team that succeeded in those seasons contained Brian Statham and Tyson

Present Circumstances

On this occasion - among the most highly anticipated England-Australia contests in recent years - the visitors are aiming to reverse an poor history - they have not won a Test match in the host country since 2011

Just five players of the extended squad have experienced a international Test in the host nation, but Atkinson states that could benefit the English team

"This could represent an advantage," he explained to reporters

"We've seen a many cricketers who have said they have had difficult experiences here in Australia

"Regarding our team, we are a extremely composed, highly optimistic squad

"No negative experiences

"It's thrilling

"We all see it as a great possibility to achieve something remarkable"

Opposition News

The Australian practice session on recently was momentarily paused by the possibility of bad weather

Australia are expected to provide an opportunity to batsman Weatherald, with uncapped fast bowler Doggett also coming in due to fitness concerns to captain Cummins and colleague Josh Hazlewood