Shoaib Bashir Set to Make Test Debut for England Against India

Young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir is all set to make his Test debut for the England cricket team against India in Visakhapatnam. The 20-year-old, who plays for Somerset in the English County Championship, caught the attention of England’s Test captain Ben Stokes through a video clip posted by the County Cricket Twitter account. Bashir’s unorthodox run-up and height allowed him to create an illusion in the minds of batters, including legendary cricketer Alastair Cook, who was beaten twice by Bashir in his first over during a County Championship match against Essex. Impressed by the clip, Stokes forwarded it to a WhatsApp group including head coach Brendon McCullum and ECB managing director Rob Key, eventually leading to Bashir’s selection for the India tour.

Bashir’s elevation was also supported by the Indian batters‘ poor record against off-spinners, with an average of 33 against them, which is one of the worst among top teams. Despite facing visa complications, Bashir joined the England squad in Hyderabad and witnessed their miraculous victory. Due to Jack Leach‘s injury, Bashir has been named as his replacement for the second Test in Visakhapatnam. Stokes, along with McCullum and vice-captain Ollie Pope, carefully considered the wicket before including Bashir in the playing XI, emphasizing that his selection was not just for the experience. Bashir’s debut will complete England’s spin-heavy attack, with veteran seamer James Anderson returning to the team in place of Mark Wood.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Stokes expressed his confidence in Bashir, stating that his early arrival in India and time spent in the dressing room during the previous Test allowed him to acclimatize to the team environment. Bashir’s debut marks an exciting milestone for the young off-spinner, whose journey from County Cricket to the Test arena has been propelled by his impressive skills and the endorsement of his captain and coach.