Who is Shoaib Bashir? 5 interesting facts about England spinner selected for India Tests
The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has named young spinner Shoaib Bashir in their squad for the upcoming Test series against India. The 20-year-old right-arm off-spinner is yet to represent England in any format.
Considering that the conditions in India will help the spinners, the ECB has drafted the uncapped spinner into their squad for the important World Test Championship (WTC)series.
On that note, here are five things that fans should know about Bashir.
#1 Shoaib Bashir has played only six first-class matches
It is not everyone's cup of tea to break into England's Test squad at the age of 20, But it seems like Baashir has some special talent because the selectors have picked him despite the youngster playing just six first-class matches.
Bashir debuted for Somerset in county cricket earlier this year. In six matches, he has picked up 10 wickets.
#2 Shoaib Bashir is a Pakistan-origin cricketer
While Bashir was born in Surrey, his family members are from Pakistan. His Instagram bio has two flags - one of the United Kingdom and the other of Pakistan, confirming he is a Pakistan-origin player.
Notably, England already have some successful Pakistan-origin spinners like Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali in their ranks. It will be interesting to see if Bashir can join that elite club.
#3 Surrey gave up on him, but Somerset gave him a chance
Bashir was born in Surrey. He played age-group cricket for his home county, but the Surrey officials were not so impressed with Bashir and let him go. Somerset then signed him for a one-year contract.
After some impressive performances across formats, Somerset extended his contract for two more years. He continues to be a part of the Somerset team.
#4 Shoaib Bashir has shared the dressing room with Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, and Ish Sodhi
Bashir has yet to play in big T20 tournaments like IPL and BBL, but he has the experience of playing in T20 Blast and County Championships. He shared the dressing room with New Zealand pacers Neil Wagner and Matt Henry during the red-ball games.
Later in the T20 Blast, Bashir got an opportunity to spend time with New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi, who was a part of the Somerset team. Sodhi's tips can help Bashir succeed in Indian conditions.
#5 Shoaib Bashir does not mind giving flight to the ball
Somerset shared a compilation of Bashir's wickets on YouTube last year. Looking at his bowling style, one can say that he is not a mystery spinner or a modern-day off-spinner who focuses on stopping runs and bowling quicker.
Bashir seems to be a traditional finger spinner, who does not mind giving flight to the ball. It looks like accuracy is his strength. The Indian batters will look to study his bowling style before the series starts.