England have opted for a twelve-player squad just two days ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a surprise place.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion suggests that the visiting team will wait until the day of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium pitch suit four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the 12-man group, indicating there are no concerns about either fast bowler's condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the bowling group, with the latter expected to be omitted if the spinner enters the starting XI.
Brendon McCullum had been expected to choose an all-seam attack on a venue that has staged five past matches.
During these games, 134 wickets have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin bowling.
Of those spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have just a handful.
On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side relying on seamers is still the more likely choice.
Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be brought into the team to provide some slow bowling while also strengthening the lower order.
However McCullum has chosen to stick with the young spinner, having stated earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series.
In July, Lyon described the English spinner as “decent,” saying that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still England’s top slow bowler.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for people who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions,” he remarked of spin bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't reveal my strategies so they perform and perform well out here.”
