England name Bashir in squad for Ashes opener

England names off-spinner for first Ashes Test as they keep open their options with a 12-man squad featuring Shoaib Bashir alongside five pace bowlers ahead of the Perth match. The fitness of Mark Wood is confirmed, suggesting his probable inclusion, with the final choice expected between Bashir and Brydon Carse. The pitch curator hints at "pace and bounce" at Perth Stadium, prompting England to potentially consider fielding an exclusively pace attack despite the inclusion of Bashir due to the pitch conditions.