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The English side has left decisions open for the series opener by including slow bowler Shoaib Bashir in a squad of twelve together with five pace bowlers

The fast bowler is declared fit and is expected to participate versus the Aussies in Perth Stadium on the coming Friday, with the final decision probably between spinner Bashir and fast bowler Carse

Wicket Factors

If England opt for an fast bowling unit - four dedicated bowlers combined with all-rounder Stokes - it would potentially be the most rapid assembly of bowlers they have deployed in an Test against Australia in Australia

Earlier this week WA groundsman McDonald stated to anticipate "fast and bouncy conditions" from the wicket at the venue, and it appears probable the tourists will follow a long-standing plan of an exclusively pace attack

However the visitors have also spotted a dryness to the wicket, bringing the off-spinner into contention

Spin Considerations

During the brief existence of the ground - five earlier Tests have been played here - Australian spin bowler Lyon is the leading wicket-taker with 29

The English management have favored Shoaib, twenty-two, as their primary spin option for since last year and in spring he was recognized as the most youthful English bowler to attain 50 wickets in Test matches

But he has been absent from a competitive game since securing the final wicket in a thrilling win over the Indian team in the third Test at the famous ground in summer

Current Concerns

The spinner has been suffering from a broken finger and had challenges in the single preparation match against the development squad, returning match figures of 2-151 from twenty-four overs

This presents the possibility of him competing in an Ashes match without being affiliated with a first-class side

The agreement at Somerset concluded at the finish of the English season

Expected Selection

Still, an visiting team containing Mark Wood, Archer, Atkinson, leader Stokes and Carse - all of whom are capable of reaching 90mph - remains the expected conclusion

The opening match commences at 2:20 AM GMT on the weekend, with live text coverage, specialist radio coverage and in-play highlights provided

England Squad

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

Team Background

Even though a various successful Ashes campaigns at domestically and internationally have been built on pace, they have not previously selected as numerous fast bowlers in the same team

The team that succeeded at in England in the memorable competition of 2005 Ashes included Harmison, Jones and Andrew Flintoff

Raymond Illingworth's triumphant visitors to Australia in that era had Willis, Peter Lever and Snow, and the visiting team that triumphed in those seasons included Statham and Frank 'Typhoon' Tyson

Current Situation

This time around - among the most highly anticipated England-Australia contests in recent memory - England are aiming to change an poor history - they have failed to win a Test match in Australia since that year

Only five members of the extended squad have experienced a Test in the host nation, but the bowler says that could help the visitors

"It could be an advantage," he explained to the press

"There are a numerous athletes who have mentioned they have had some tough times here in Australia

"For us, we are a very relaxed, highly optimistic squad

"No scarring

"It's thrilling

"Everyone considers it a massive chance to achieve something remarkable"

Host Team Situation

Australia's practice session on recently was briefly delayed by the threat of lightning

The hosts are probably going to provide an opportunity to batsman Weatherald, with uncapped fast bowler Doggett also being included following health issues to skipper Pat Cummins and teammate Josh Hazlewood