England spinner Shoaib Bashir mimicked his country’s footballer, Cole Palmer, by performing the ‘cold’ celebration after dismissing Alick Athanaze on Day 4 of the 2nd Test against West Indies at Trent Bridge on Sunday, July 21. Shoaib Bashir has “shown the world what he can do” said England captain Ben Stokes.

Star performance by Shoaib Bashir

Shoaib Bashir was the standout performer for England in the second innings, claiming five wickets while conceding just 41 runs with an economy rate of 3.70 in 11.1 overs. His stellar performance helped England secure a commanding victory over the West Indies by 241 runs, clinching an unassailable 2-0 series lead with one match still to play.

Chasing a daunting target of 385 runs after dismissing England for 425, West Indies crumbled under the pressure of England’s formidable bowling attack. They were bowled out for a mere 143 in 36.1 overs. Shoaib Bashir played a pivotal role in this collapse, leaving the West Indies reeling at 82/5 after dismissing Alick Athanaze.

The key dismissal occurred in the 19th over of the West Indies’ run chase when Athanaze attempted to defend a delivery from Bashir. The ball took a sharp edge off Athanaze’s bat and was caught by Joe Root at slip. Overjoyed with his second wicket of the innings, Shoaib Bashir celebrated by rubbing both his arms, imitating Cole Palmer’s signature ‘cold’ celebration.

“I don’t think gratification comes out of an ‘I told you so’ moment or having a point to prove,” Stokes said in the moments after England’s win in Nottingham. “Because the decisions we make are all based around not only how far we think their talent can take them, but also that we think they’re good enough for international cricket straight away.

“This is the worst that they’ll be. And if you think you can identify talent and you can throw them into an international environment and give them the confidence, give them the backing that they’re going to progress really quickly. 

“I don’t want to say it’s an ‘I told you so’ kind of thing, but it sort of is,” he joked.

“Every time we came in for a break [at Lord’s], Baz was going ‘this is Bash if you haven’t met him already,” Stokes said. 

“He showed what he could do in India with conditions in his favour,” Stokes said. “But the pitch this week didn’t really offer much for spin…I think what he’s done today is showed the world what he can do.”

Bashir’s impressive bowling figures

In addition to Athanaze, Bashir dismissed Kirk McKenzie, Kavem Hodge, Jason Holder, and Shamar Joseph to complete his third five-wicket haul in Test cricket. His figures of 5/41 are his best bowling figures in a Test innings to date.

In the first innings, Bashir also made significant contributions by picking up two wickets, those of Mikyle Louis and Kirk McKenzie, finishing with figures of 2/108 in 25 overs.

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Shoaib Bashir’s exceptional performance and his celebratory mimicry of Cole Palmer added a memorable touch to England’s dominant victory over the West Indies.

On Friday, July 19, Mark Wood made a dramatic entrance into England’s Test team during the second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge.

Wood, who wasn’t part of the squad for the first Test as he was given time to recover from the T20 World Cup, was finally brought into the team for this match. With James Anderson retiring, Wood was added straight into the playing XI. He made an impressive comeback, with every ball of his first over clocking well above 90 mph.

Woakes and Atkinson started the bowling for England, covering the first nine overs before captain Ben Stokes brought Wood in. Though he didn’t take a wicket in his first over, he made a strong impression.

Wood Sets New Record for Fastest Over by an England Bowler

In that over, Wood’s six deliveries were all over 92 mph, including one at 96.5 mph. By the end of the over, he had set a new record for the fastest over by an England bowler at home. But Wood didn’t stop there he went on to bowl an even faster third over, with all deliveries over 93 mph and one reaching 97 mph.

As for the match, the West Indies got off to a solid start with openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis putting on 53 runs for the first wicket. Shoaib Bashir broke their stand by dismissing Louis for 21. At the time of writing, the West Indies were 74 for 1 in response to England’s first innings total of 416.

Paras Mhambrey, the Indian bowling coach said on Saturday that the Ranchi pitch did not behave according to the team’s expectations. After the second day’s play in the fourth Test match between India and England, the hosts scored 219/7 in response to England’s first innings total of 353.

Mhambrey on Ranchi Pitch

After Stumps on Day 2, Mhambrey spoke about the conditions in the press conference. “From what we have seen out here, generally, the nature of the pitch is that it gets slower as the game progresses. We expected that. But, to be honest, we didn’t expect it to play that low on the second day itself.” He added,  “A couple of balls did keep low in the first innings itself. We expected it to get slower. But we were not expecting the variable bounce.”

He explained how variable bounce was experienced on the track. He also added that the management did not give any specific instructions to the curator regarding the pitch. “There was variable bounce. But I don’t think there were too many that spun sharply from the wicket. It was the variable bounce, on the lower side, which has made batting difficult. That is the nature of the soil. There were no specific instructions from us [to the curator] that we wanted to play on a rank turner.”

Mhambrey credited Bashir and Hartley

He also mentioned the duo of Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley. Bashir and Hartley took a total of six Indian wickets out of seven that fell today. “I think they bowled well. (They) kept a simple line and length. At this level, you expect your opposition to do that. They kept it simple and picked up wickets for that.”

While speaking of India’s batting performance he said, “What is important is that we have two set batsmen [Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav] at the crease. We have a 40+ partnership going. I think they have really applied themselves. The important thing is we get as close as possible to the English total and then we will see tomorrow.”

According to the bowling coach, the hosts have to bat well in the second innings whatever the target is. He also mentioned that the venue conditions cannot be controlled. “What we need to look at is, that we are going to chase. The target will differ but mentally we will have to be ready to chase. We have to bat well in the second innings, whatever the target is. Let’s keep it that simple,” added Mhambrey.

Joe Root expresses confidence in England’s grip on the fourth Test against India, following a dominant second day in Ranchi. His 31st Test century paved the way for a resilient bowling performance, spearheaded by the 19-year-old offspinner Shoaib Bashir.

At the day’s end, India stood at 219 for 7 in their first innings, trailing by 134 runs with only wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel remaining among recognized batters. Root acknowledges the significance of any lead on a pitch already displaying considerable variable bounce.

“We’ve positioned ourselves well at the close of the first innings,” Root remarked. “We’ll monitor the game’s progression. Given the surface’s anticipated deterioration, early wickets tomorrow could firmly place us in control for the remainder of the match.”

Root’s Redemption: A Crucial Century Rescues England

However, Root’s unbeaten 122 off 274 balls is already shaping up to be the standout innings of the match. After rescuing England from a precarious 112 for 5 at lunch on day one, he played a crucial role in adding 51 runs for the final three wickets in the morning session. Root acknowledged that his performance served as a cathartic moment following his struggles for form in the opening three Tests.

“That’s my approach in every game,” he remarked. “I aim to adapt to the conditions and the game’s situation. It was clear what was required in that particular scenario on that surface, and fortunately, it paid off.

“It feels good to contribute this week,” he continued, reflecting on his previous scores of 29 in the six innings at Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Rajkot. “It’s been a challenging series for me. So, I was determined to make a meaningful contribution for the team, and I’m glad I could achieve that today. Hopefully, I can maintain this form for the remainder of the series.”

Young Spinners Shine: Root’s Confidence in England’s Future

“The Brilliance of the Young Spinners and England’s Confidence Going Forward”.Root commended the outstanding effort of the team, stating, “The way the guys have operated today was a brilliant effort. I had a great view at first slip, watching them operate. For two young spinners to stand up and perform, it’s really encouraging for English cricket, and for us, for the rest of this series and the rest of this Test match.”

Bashir, initially a relative unknown, was drafted into the squad in December based on his impressive performances for Somerset. Root praised him, saying, “He’s brilliant. He’s a great young lad to have in the group. I’ve not seen much of him, and I might not have known much about him before this series, but he’s got a great character. He’s got a great sense of humour. He takes it all out to the field. And he’s clearly, as you can see, got huge amounts of ability and skill and a lot to offer, especially on a surface like this.”

Root expressed confidence in England’s ability to capitalize on their advantage and level the series at 2-2 going into the fifth Test in Dharamsala. He emphasized the importance of batting with freedom in challenging conditions to set India a formidable target.

SEE ALSO:India Ends Day 2 at 219/7, Trails by 134 Runs against England in Ranchi

England’s spin pair of Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley wreaked havoc on India during the second day of the fourth Test in Ranchi, combining to claim six crucial wickets. Despite England’s earlier dismissal for 353 in their first innings, they maintained pressure by consistently taking wickets, despite Yashasvi Jaiswal’s resilient batting for India.

The day began positively for England, as Ollie Robinson aggressively accumulated boundaries, catching India off guard. He partnered effectively with overnight centurion Joe Root, extending their partnership to over 100 runs. Robinson reached a milestone, scoring his maiden fifty in Test cricket, before falling to Ravindra Jadeja’s delivery.

Jadeja continued to dismantle England’s lower order, with Bashir also chipping in with vital breakthroughs. Despite Root’s impressive unbeaten 122, England’s total seemed competitive, especially considering their precarious position at 112/5 on day one. India suffered an early setback when Rohit Sharma departed cheaply, nicking one behind off James Anderson.

Spin Twins Turn the Tide: Bashir and Hartley’s Dominance

While Jaiswal showcased promising form, England’s bowlers maintained pressure, dismissing key Indian batsmen at regular intervals. Bashir’s pivotal wickets in the second session, including Shubman Gill and Jadeja, put India under immense pressure. Although Jaiswal fought valiantly, his dismissal for 73 further dented India’s hopes of a strong reply.

With half the side back in the pavilion and a significant deficit to overcome, India relied on their lower order to stage a comeback. However, England capitalized on their advantage, with Hartley accounting for crucial wickets, including Sarfaraz Khan and R Ashwin. Despite a resilient stand from Kuldeep Yadav and Dhruv Jurel, India faces an uphill task to close the gap on the third day.

In summary, England’s spin duo, supported by disciplined bowling and strategic partnerships, dominated proceedings, placing India in a challenging position as they trail by 134 runs with three wickets in hand.

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Veteran English fast bowler James Anderson marks his return to the England squad for the second Test of the ongoing five-match series against India. Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, the English team has introduced two changes to their playing XI since the previous Test match in Hyderabad.

As Anderson resumes play, he stands on the cusp of a historic milestone, requiring just 10 more wickets to achieve the remarkable feat of 700 wickets in Test cricket. Currently positioned as the third-highest wicket-taker in Test history, the seasoned pacer has amassed 690 wickets from 183 matches, maintaining a commendable average of 26.42.

Boasting a respectable record in India, Anderson has claimed 34 wickets in 13 Tests. His pivotal role in England’s Test series victory in India in 2012 is noteworthy. During England’s 2021 tour of India, the 41-year-old contributed significantly with eight wickets, showcasing an impressive average of 15.88.

James Anderson And Shoaib Bashir Named In Playing XI

Mark Wood played as the lone pacer in England’s attack in the Hyderabad Test, considering his express pace. However, Wood struggled to take wickets in both innings of the match. He has been replaced by James Anderson in the bowling attack for the next match.

Left-arm spinner Jack Leach has been ruled out of the upcoming match due to a knee injury. Leach sustained the injury while fielding during the series opener. Young spinner Shoaib Bashir is set to make his Test debut in Visakhapatnam, replacing Leach in the playing XI.

Shoaib Bashir, with a less-than-impressive average of 67, has secured 10 wickets across six first-class matches, with his best figures standing at 3/67. Despite this, the 20-year-old displays promising batting abilities in the lower order. Following the acquisition of travel clearance to India, Bashir has now joined the England team.

Ben Stokes noted that Shoaib Bashir found great enjoyment in being part of that dressing room

During the pre-match press conference, Ben Stokes conveyed his belief in Bashir’s capability to excel in India. Stokes highlighted that Bashir’s presence in the dressing room during the Hyderabad Test facilitated his adjustment to the team environment.

“He was truly absorbing everything, to be honest, arriving [from the UK] so early and then entering to witness what had transpired. I believe he thoroughly relished being in that dressing room on day four. There are no concerns or reservations for me regarding his time away from the group; coming back to make his debut, it’s not as though he has forgotten how to bowl,” remarked Stokes.

Despite an underwhelming performance in the first Test match, Rehan Ahmed has retained his position in the lineup. Tom Hartley played a pivotal role in England’s Test victory, securing figures of 7 for 62 in the second innings. The English team is set to field with three inexperienced spinners.

The second Test match is scheduled to take place at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, commencing on Friday, February 2nd.

England’s Second Test Playing XI against India includes Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, and James Anderson.

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Young right-arm off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has recently joined the England national team in Hyderabad during the fourth day of the opening match of a 5-match Test series against India. Unfortunately, Bashir faced delays in obtaining his Indian visa, which resulted in him missing the initial phase of the series along with his English teammates and coaching staff.

Due to visa-related issues, Bashir had to wait in Abu Dhabi for an extended period, accompanied by an official from the English contingent. Head coach Brendon McCullum assured the media that BCCI was actively collaborating with the Indian government to resolve the visa matter. Despite these assurances, the delay persisted, causing frustration for Bashir, who was unable to join the team in India and had to return to England.

Expressing disappointment, England captain Ben Stokes shared his concerns about the situation, stating, “When I first heard the news in Abu Dhabi, I did suggest that we shouldn’t fly until Bash gets his visa. But that was a bit tongue-in-cheek. I know it’s a much bigger issue than that. I’m truly saddened that Bash has had to endure this.”

Furthermore, a British government official criticized the Indian government, alleging unfair treatment of English citizens with Pakistani heritage during the visa application process. The official emphasized the expectation that India treats all British citizens fairly and highlighted previous concerns raised with the Indian High Commission in London regarding the visa experiences of individuals with Pakistani roots.

It’s important to highlight that leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, one of the three recognized spinners in the England playing XI for the 1st Test, also hails from Pakistan. If there were any biases against Pakistan-based players, the Indian government would likely have rejected Rehan’s visa application as well.

Nevertheless, Shoaib Bashir successfully joined the team at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad on day 4. England is currently on the field, defending a total of 231, primarily built on the outstanding performance of number 3 batter Ollie Pope. Pope’s remarkable 278-ball innings yielded 196 runs, preventing England from collapsing to a total below 200 and making the task much more challenging for the Indian contingent.

Shoaib Bashir as a Potential Starter in Vishakhapatnam Amid Jack Leach’s Second Test

England attracted attention by including only one pacer, Mark Wood, in the starting XI for the 1st Test, opting for him over James Anderson. Spin duties were entrusted to Jack Leach, Rehan Ahmed, and Tom Hartley, with additional support from Joe Root as a part-time spinner.

Unfortunately, in the 4th innings, Jack Leach’s bowling has been restricted due to swelling on his thighs. His participation in the 2nd Test is now uncertain, potentially paving the way for Shoaib Bashir to make a starting appearance in Vishakhapatnam.

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Due to visa complications, Shoaib Bashir, an uncapped right-arm off-spinner for England, lauded by former English cricketers, found himself stuck in Abu Dhabi. While the remainder of his teammates and coaching staff headed to Hyderabad to commence practice for the 5-match Test series starting on January 25, Bashir was unable to join them.

Awaiting clearance from authorities, Bashir is eager to join the team in Hyderabad at the earliest, while his teammates have already begun their on-ground practice sessions. Bashir is one of the four spinners selected by England for the Test series, alongside Jack Leach, Rehan Ahmed, and Tom Hartley. Despite Leach being the most seasoned among them, there is optimism surrounding Bashir’s skills.

The Surrey-born spinner impressed during England’s 11-day camp in Abu Dhabi, marking his first practice session with the national team. Although doubts persist about his efficiency, positive discussions surround his high release point and ball-turning abilities. Former left-arm off-spinner Monty Panesar believes Indian batters may struggle against Bashir’s line length and strategic play.

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Having played only six First-class games and securing ten wickets with a bowling average of 3.30, Bashir’s recent visa setback raised concerns about his participation. However, England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, assured that there’s no need to panic, as the BCCI and the Indian government are working to expedite Bashir’s arrival.

McCullum expressed confidence in Bashir’s fitting seamlessly into the squad during the Abu Dhabi camp. Despite the ongoing visa process, McCullum believes that the time Bashir spent with the senior team will be beneficial and hopes for a swift resolution so that the young spinner can fully experience an International Test series.

“It’s a process we need to go through. We’re pretty confident that we’re close. The time that Bash had with the squad over in Abu Dhabi, where he fitted in seamlessly, will serve him greatly. We’ve got a bit of support out there for him so he’s not on his own. We’re hoping the news will come through today that his visa has been approved, then we’ll get him to sink his teeth into this series.” – McCullum concluded.