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[VIDEOS/PICTURES] England's latest find - Shoaib Bashir
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Shoaib Bashir has finally linked up with England in India after visa issues prevented him from joining his team-mates ahead of the first Test
Bashir, a 20-year-old British Muslim of Pakistani heritage, was the only member of England's touring party to experience a significant delay over his application and remained grounded after a training camp in Abu Dhabi while his team headed to Hyderabad.
The England and Wales Cricket Board had hoped the matter could be resolved in the United Arab Emirates - where its managing director of operations Stuart Hooper remained with Bashir - but a solution was not found, forcing the Somerset off-spinner to travel back to London before the visa was issued.
The ECB stated last week: "We're glad the situation has now been resolved."
Bashir missed the first Test but will now come into contention for the second in Vizag from Friday, particularly with senior England spinner Jack Leach bruising his knee during the series opener.
England captain Ben Stokes remained visibly disgruntled by Bashir's treatment as he gave his pre-match press conference ahead of the first Test and revealed he initially suggested the squad should not fly to India without Bashir.
That idea did not last long, though, and he said there was "never a chance" of boycotting the first Test.
"When I first found the news out in Abu Dhabi, I did say we shouldn't fly until Bash gets his visa but that was a little bit tongue in cheek," he said.
"I know it's a way bigger thing, doing that. That was probably just [my] emotions around the whole thing. There was never a chance that we were not going to travel around this but Bash knows he's had our full support.
"I'm pretty devastated that Bash has had to go through this. As a leader, as a captain, when one of your team-mates is affected by something like that you do get a bit emotional."
Source: Sky Sports
Bashir, a 20-year-old British Muslim of Pakistani heritage, was the only member of England's touring party to experience a significant delay over his application and remained grounded after a training camp in Abu Dhabi while his team headed to Hyderabad.
The England and Wales Cricket Board had hoped the matter could be resolved in the United Arab Emirates - where its managing director of operations Stuart Hooper remained with Bashir - but a solution was not found, forcing the Somerset off-spinner to travel back to London before the visa was issued.
The ECB stated last week: "We're glad the situation has now been resolved."
Bashir missed the first Test but will now come into contention for the second in Vizag from Friday, particularly with senior England spinner Jack Leach bruising his knee during the series opener.
England captain Ben Stokes remained visibly disgruntled by Bashir's treatment as he gave his pre-match press conference ahead of the first Test and revealed he initially suggested the squad should not fly to India without Bashir.
That idea did not last long, though, and he said there was "never a chance" of boycotting the first Test.
"When I first found the news out in Abu Dhabi, I did say we shouldn't fly until Bash gets his visa but that was a little bit tongue in cheek," he said.
"I know it's a way bigger thing, doing that. That was probably just [my] emotions around the whole thing. There was never a chance that we were not going to travel around this but Bash knows he's had our full support.
"I'm pretty devastated that Bash has had to go through this. As a leader, as a captain, when one of your team-mates is affected by something like that you do get a bit emotional."
Source: Sky Sports
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Shoaib Bashir Set For England Debut After Visa Row? Jack Leach's Injury Boosts Youngsters Hopes
Young England spinner couldn't be a part of the team for the first Test against India in Hyderabad, owing to a visa problem. After the United Kingdom government intervened, Bashir's visa problem was cleared, paving the way for the young spinner to fly to India. Though England won the opening Test impressively, Bashir could be all set for his Test debut in the second Test of the series at Vizag. An injury to England spinner Jack Leach has made his participation in the second Test a doubt, making Bashir the biggest candidate to replace him.
England batter Zak Crawley confirmed that Leach is looking to prove his fitness in time for the second Test but it isn't yet 100 percent known whether he will be able to make it to the playing XI or not.
"He's a great kid," said Crawley on BBC. "He's got a lot about him. He knows what he is trying to do with his bowling and he backs himself. I like that and feel like if he got his chance in this series he would go well."
Speaking of Bshir, Crawley had plenty of praise for the youngster, backing him to do well if selected in the team.
"He's a great kid," said Crawley. "He's got a lot about him. He knows what he is trying to do with his bowling and he backs himself. I like that and feel like if he got his chance in this series he would go well."
Bashir was in contention for selection in the first Test as well but the visa problem saw him fail to be available for selection. England coach Brendon McCullum has already confirmed that he is contemplating playing 4 spinners in the second Test at Vizag.
After India's loss in the series opener, the focus will be on the Visakhapatnam pitch which is expected to offer plenty of turn to spinners. If not from Day 1, the pitch is definitely going to spin a lot from Day 2
Source: NDTV
Young England spinner couldn't be a part of the team for the first Test against India in Hyderabad, owing to a visa problem. After the United Kingdom government intervened, Bashir's visa problem was cleared, paving the way for the young spinner to fly to India. Though England won the opening Test impressively, Bashir could be all set for his Test debut in the second Test of the series at Vizag. An injury to England spinner Jack Leach has made his participation in the second Test a doubt, making Bashir the biggest candidate to replace him.
England batter Zak Crawley confirmed that Leach is looking to prove his fitness in time for the second Test but it isn't yet 100 percent known whether he will be able to make it to the playing XI or not.
"He's a great kid," said Crawley on BBC. "He's got a lot about him. He knows what he is trying to do with his bowling and he backs himself. I like that and feel like if he got his chance in this series he would go well."
Speaking of Bshir, Crawley had plenty of praise for the youngster, backing him to do well if selected in the team.
"He's a great kid," said Crawley. "He's got a lot about him. He knows what he is trying to do with his bowling and he backs himself. I like that and feel like if he got his chance in this series he would go well."
Bashir was in contention for selection in the first Test as well but the visa problem saw him fail to be available for selection. England coach Brendon McCullum has already confirmed that he is contemplating playing 4 spinners in the second Test at Vizag.
After India's loss in the series opener, the focus will be on the Visakhapatnam pitch which is expected to offer plenty of turn to spinners. If not from Day 1, the pitch is definitely going to spin a lot from Day 2
Source: NDTV
James
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I think they will stick with Rehan. This England regime tends to stick with players when they can. Like you say he offers something with the bat, it’s just whether he can get his bowling right next time. He is very talented.
The change in the team will be Leach missing out due to injury. The pitch will dictate whether a seamer (Anderson/Robinson) or another spinner (Bashir) comes in for him.
There is also some talk of not replacing Leach with a bowler and playing Dan Lawrence as an extra batsman, but that strikes me as a very defensive move, which doesn’t sound like the usual Baz & Ben approach.
James
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Extremely important toss to win… bat first again, like last time…
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It will be interesting if Shoaib Bashir plays in the 2nd Test and gets some wickets after that visa mess. It will become a sweet revenge. 
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Shoaib Bashir has been included in the playing 11 for the 2nd test against India starting Tomorrow Friday in Visakhapatnam.
How will he perform now since he had that visa issue as well earlier? It will be some situation in case he performs too well or vice versa. If he fails then People will start saying why so much hype was created after that visa issue if he has to perform like this. LOL.....LET's SEE
How will he perform now since he had that visa issue as well earlier? It will be some situation in case he performs too well or vice versa. If he fails then People will start saying why so much hype was created after that visa issue if he has to perform like this. LOL.....LET's SEE
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Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir is set to make his debut for England in the second Test against India in Visakhapatnam, stepping in for the injured Jack Leach.
Keep an eye on his performance, as he faces the challenge with potential visa-related pressure. It's a test of his mental strength, and I'm eager to see how he responds on the pitch.
Keep an eye on his performance, as he faces the challenge with potential visa-related pressure. It's a test of his mental strength, and I'm eager to see how he responds on the pitch.
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Shoaib Bashir has drawn the first blood of his Test Career. He got the wicket of the Hitman, Rohit Sharma. Is this going to be a repeat of 1st test where the spinners dominated? Shoaib will like it
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Very tall - for an off-spinner at 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)?
Ravi Shastri and Ravi Ashwin 6ft 3 and 6ft 2 respectively
Ravi Shastri and Ravi Ashwin 6ft 3 and 6ft 2 respectively
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Sir Alastair Cook, speaking about Shoaib Bashir:
"It was a really impressive start. You're never quite sure how you're going to handle the big situation until you get there, the nerves and exciting of making your debut.
"The first ball wasn't the best but apart from that he settled in really well. Good control and he spins the ball hard.
"You saw a little bit of spin to the left-hander and he definitely didn't get overawed by the occasion."
"It was a really impressive start. You're never quite sure how you're going to handle the big situation until you get there, the nerves and exciting of making your debut.
"The first ball wasn't the best but apart from that he settled in really well. Good control and he spins the ball hard.
"You saw a little bit of spin to the left-hander and he definitely didn't get overawed by the occasion."
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2 wickets to his name on debut. Doing well the lad.
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greatest
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Good prospect!
As a leg-spinner one needs patience. This guy has the talent but due to the nature of wickets in England he won't get much chance to display his skills. Most probably would be picked for sub-continent tours.
As a leg-spinner one needs patience. This guy has the talent but due to the nature of wickets in England he won't get much chance to display his skills. Most probably would be picked for sub-continent tours.
greatest
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I think Anil Kumble was the tallest leg-spinner. Well, he would get good bounce which is vital for a leggie.Very tall - for an off-spinner at 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)?
Ravi Shastri and Ravi Ashwin 6ft 3 and 6ft 2 respectively
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It's great to see Shoaib Bashir taking his first couple of wickets after that visa delay drama. On day 1 against India in the 2nd Test, he secured 2/100 in 28 overs. It's impressive that he delivered 28 overs on his debut.
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After his debut against India in the 2nd Test, the England spinner Shoaib Bashir on the close of play of Day 1:
"It's been a very special, special day. For all that I've been through in the last two to three years, it made it even more special. To get Rohit Sharma out, my first wicket, feels incredible."
"He's a quality player, one of the best in the world and a great player of spin as well."
"No doubts at all, I always knew I would get the visa. It was a bit of a hassle but we're here now, I've made my debut, and that's all that matters. I was pretty chilled to be fair. I knew it would get sorted so thanks to ECB and BCCI for sorting out quite quickly."
"(Growing up) Always been above average height, 6ft 4in does help with the spin I guess."
"I could have been a bit more consistent with my lines but I'm just going to look back on this day and think getting Rohit Sharma out, I think that's all that matters really."
"Jimmy is cap 613, I'm cap 713 so there's a hundred caps between us. He's an incredible lad, the experience is crazy and having Rooty out there helps a lot as well."
"I think we did well to get them six down towards the end of the day. Looking ahead we'll want to get a couple of early breakthroughs (and) then get batting."
"It's been a very special, special day. For all that I've been through in the last two to three years, it made it even more special. To get Rohit Sharma out, my first wicket, feels incredible."
"He's a quality player, one of the best in the world and a great player of spin as well."
"No doubts at all, I always knew I would get the visa. It was a bit of a hassle but we're here now, I've made my debut, and that's all that matters. I was pretty chilled to be fair. I knew it would get sorted so thanks to ECB and BCCI for sorting out quite quickly."
"(Growing up) Always been above average height, 6ft 4in does help with the spin I guess."
"I could have been a bit more consistent with my lines but I'm just going to look back on this day and think getting Rohit Sharma out, I think that's all that matters really."
"Jimmy is cap 613, I'm cap 713 so there's a hundred caps between us. He's an incredible lad, the experience is crazy and having Rooty out there helps a lot as well."
"I think we did well to get them six down towards the end of the day. Looking ahead we'll want to get a couple of early breakthroughs (and) then get batting."
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Shoaib Bashir bowled 38 overs in his first outing of his Test career against India and picked up 3 wickets as well... Good start to the youngster's career.
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Gill was looking rusty but Shoaib Bashir had the last laugh when he trapped Shubman Gill in front of wickets. Gill asked for DRS but was of no use. 1st wicket for Shaib Bashir in the 4th Test match of the series.
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Bashir easily looks the best of all English spinners. Rehan & Hartley bowl a lot of garbage, and have honestly got a lot of their wickets on long hops, but Bashir doesn't bowl as many loose ones. This lad will do well in the long term I feel
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One more to his account now.
WICKET! Patidar lbw Bashir 17 - India 112-3 - TRAIL by 241
Bashir does it again!
The ball skids off the pitch crashes into Patidar's pads, leading to another dismissal via LBW!
Patidar reviews but there's no escape, with replays show no bat involved and the ball tracker going onto hit leg stump.
Bashir has been brilliant today and England have their third.
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and one more for Bashir - 3 now.
WICKET! Jadeja c Pope b Bashir 12 - India 130-4 - TRAIL by 223
Bashir is at it again!
The England spinner hits the cracks and the ball pops up to Jadeja, who loops the ball in the air and leaves Pope with a breezy catch at short leg.
England have the momentum right now and Bashir continues to impress.
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Bashir has another one.. 4 now for him.
This time he cleaned the batter who was scoring runs heavily throughout the series, Jaiswal. What a spell he is bowling atm. got few edges to trouble the batters earlier an now removed jaiswal from the scene. Beautiful.
This time he cleaned the batter who was scoring runs heavily throughout the series, Jaiswal. What a spell he is bowling atm. got few edges to trouble the batters earlier an now removed jaiswal from the scene. Beautiful.
James
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Won’t be getting a visa for the next tour this guy 
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England's former captain, Sir Alastair Cook, spoke on a sports channel:
"You have to give a huge amount of credit to the selection panel. They've picked a guy who has only played four first-class games to go on an England tour.
"They knew they needed tall spinners and they picked Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley. Whoever made the call on picking those two deserves credit.
"The reason he bowled a 30-over spell was that he was on the money with every ball, and the pressure he created for the Indians, who, to be honest, didn't bat well.
"They struggled with the balance of attack and defence, and it's not often you say that about the home side not adjusting to the conditions well."
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What a spell this is from the youngster. Picking up 5 wickets for the first time and what a game to do so. Still 2nd inning left. Can take few more.
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Youngest to pick five-fer for England in Tests
18y 128d Rehan Ahmed 5/48 vs Pak Karachi 2022
20y 135d Shoaib Bashir 5/119 vs Ind Ranchi 2024
20y 182 Bill Voce 7/70 vs WI Port of Spain 1930
20y 298d James Anderson 5/73 vs Zim Lord's 2003
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Youngest to pick five-fer for England in Tests
18y 128d Rehan Ahmed 5/48 vs Pak Karachi 2022
20y 135d Shoaib Bashir 5/119 vs Ind Ranchi 2024
20y 182 Bill Voce 7/70 vs WI Port of Spain 1930
20y 298d James Anderson 5/73 vs Zim Lord's 2003
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And a thank to the Almighty
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England's Shoaib Bashir, who claimed figures of 5-119, spoke to a sports channel about his maiden 5-wicket haul in the 4th Test against India:
"It feels surreal. I'd like to dedicate this to my two late grandad's who passed away a year and a bit ago.
"They used to watch Test cricket all the time on TV and their wish was to watch me play but that didn't happen so it's quite emotional.
On his favourite wicket: "I think it has to be Jaiswal. He's an incredible player. For me to get his wicket was surreal.
"I used to watch these guys when I was a little kid so to be in that dressing room, they give you so much confidence. Stokes and the lads are brilliant. It gets the best out of you and it's a wonderful team to be part of.
"We would've liked to get one or two wickets there in that last period but me and Hartley know we've got a job to do tomorrow. On that wicket, anything is possible."
"It feels surreal. I'd like to dedicate this to my two late grandad's who passed away a year and a bit ago.
"They used to watch Test cricket all the time on TV and their wish was to watch me play but that didn't happen so it's quite emotional.
On his favourite wicket: "I think it has to be Jaiswal. He's an incredible player. For me to get his wicket was surreal.
"I used to watch these guys when I was a little kid so to be in that dressing room, they give you so much confidence. Stokes and the lads are brilliant. It gets the best out of you and it's a wonderful team to be part of.
"We would've liked to get one or two wickets there in that last period but me and Hartley know we've got a job to do tomorrow. On that wicket, anything is possible."
James
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He looks very good. The best of the three young spinners that England have picked here.
Hartley got a dream spell on debut but aside from that has bowled a lot of drag downs and full tosses. Rehan is talented but extremely raw.
Whereas they showed a graphic of all Bashir’s deliveries from Day 2 and the lines were stunningly consistent, also with all balls either good length (majority) or full length (some) — nothing short or fully tossed at all, in 25+ overs. He has some potential this lad.
Hartley got a dream spell on debut but aside from that has bowled a lot of drag downs and full tosses. Rehan is talented but extremely raw.
Whereas they showed a graphic of all Bashir’s deliveries from Day 2 and the lines were stunningly consistent, also with all balls either good length (majority) or full length (some) — nothing short or fully tossed at all, in 25+ overs. He has some potential this lad.
aboveandbeyond
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Leach is relatively young for a spinner. For England's sake hope he stays fit for next 5-6 years, so the likes of Hartley, rehan, Bashir get experience
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A great find for the English team. Need to be pampered for future. 3 wickets against India in the second innings so far, can he change the game for his side?. His figures at the moment 3/49.
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England’s Shoaib Bashir dedicates ‘special’ five-fer to late grandfathers
Amid the wreckage of England’s third day in Ranchi there was still one bright story among the tourists to be told: Shoaib Bashir, just 20 years old, became their second-youngest bowler to claim a Test five-wicket haul and, needless to say, he was delighted about it.The moment came on an otherwise frustrating morning for his colleagues, Bashir pinning Akash Deep lbw to follow his four wickets on day two. He celebrated with a sajdah on the outfield, the Islamic display of gratitude last performed by an England player when Rehan Ahmed (aged 18) claimed a five-wicket haul in Pakistan last winter.
Though England started their defence of the target with the ball poorly, the volatile pitch in Ranchi – one on which Ravichandran Ashwin conjured up his 25th five-wicket hauls in Tests – meant they could not be completely discounted.
Certainly Bashir was not ready to throw in the towel, insisting he and Tom Hartley, two young spinners emboldened by the captaincy of Ben Stokes, could yet deliver a twist.
Bashir said: “Stokesy and the boys are incredible. They give you so much confidence in anything you do. If that’s me going out to bowl or bat, they’re so good. I know tomorrow I have a job to do and me and Tommy are really excited for the challenge.
“We saw how [Ravichandran] Ashwin and [Ravindra] Jadeja bowled on that wicket and we take huge confidence from that. I used to watch these guys when I was a bit younger and they’re world-class spinners. We know us two lads are up against a world-class [team] but we’ve got a chance to be heroes.”
Source: The Guardian
James
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He’s the best of the three young English spinners to be tried this series. The most consistent and mature, the fittest and the mentally strongest. He’s got a Test match future.
JattMaula
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He's got control, drift and height.
Only thing that can hold him back is English team not playing him enough.
Only thing that can hold him back is English team not playing him enough.
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very impressed with Shoaib so far. Kid has got the right temperament, and showed remarkable skills for someone who was plucked out of nowhere. All he really needs is more experience under his belt to become the main spinner for England.
Also I was very impressed with the way he controlled his emotions and didn’t go for silly DRS calls like so many other bowlers do. Jadeja is the worst. He wants to review every decision.
Also I was very impressed with the way he controlled his emotions and didn’t go for silly DRS calls like so many other bowlers do. Jadeja is the worst. He wants to review every decision.
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The former England captain, Michael Vaughan, is mighty impressed by Shoaib Bashir's bowling exploits in the recently concluded Ranchi Test of England's five-match series against India, as he mentioned in a YouTube interview:
"It's been a fantastic week for English cricket. One of the great weeks, celebrating another world-class superstar that we've unearthed, Shoaib Bashir. That's what we're celebrating. Second Test match, eight wickets, he's the new Ravi Ashwin, and we've unearthed him. So, we're celebrating a new superstar in English cricket."
"It's been a fantastic week for English cricket. One of the great weeks, celebrating another world-class superstar that we've unearthed, Shoaib Bashir. That's what we're celebrating. Second Test match, eight wickets, he's the new Ravi Ashwin, and we've unearthed him. So, we're celebrating a new superstar in English cricket."
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Somerset will consider letting emerging England star Shoaib Bashir leave the club on loan this summer, with head coach Jason Kerr admitting he's weighing up how to best manage the next step of the spinner's career.
The 20-year-old was fast-tracked into England's Test squad in India after just six first-class matches and has quickly grown into his new surroundings, taking 12 wickets at an average of 32.83 in two mature outings for his country.
Bashir has been identified as a player with significant long-term potential by the ECB, but with his immediate path to regular first-team cricket is unclear, with Jack Leach - currently recovering from knee surgery - serving as Somerset and England's first-choice spinner.
England head coach Brendon McCullum said last week it would be "slightly mad" if Bashir and Lancashire's Tom Hartley, who has Australia's Nathan Lyon in his way as an overseas player at Old Trafford for 2024, were kept on the sidelines in county cricket this season.
Somerset head coach Kerr appreciates the dilemma. "It's certainly not easy but I always try and put myself in the player's shoes and what they want is to play cricket," he told Press Association.
"Bash will be on cloud nine right now and riding that. He would have seen the world very differently at the start of the winter than he does now that he's had international opportunities and done very well. So it's important to have really honest, transparent conversations.
"We start the season on April 5 and I'd be surprised if too many teams are playing two specialist spinners. So I understand there will be some questions about it.
"There's still a lot of water to go under the bridge, but what I'm not going to do is stand in the way of anyone's opportunity.
"We will always do what is best for the player and we've done it time and time again. We've allowed people to go on loan and get some cricket because it can benefit them and us in the future, and we've said no to players because they're next in line and we might need them.
"We will look at each case as it arises but, historically, we've been open to it."
Bashir's rapid rise effectively reprises the situation Somerset experienced when fellow off-spinner Dom Bess emerged. He and Leach began by working in tandem on turning pitches but, when Bess was elevated to the Test side, the pair eventually found themselves competing for one spot.
Leach held that berth, with Bess moving on to Yorkshire, and Kerr made it clear he retains full faith in Leach, who has given more than a decade of good service to Somerset.
"It's important we see both of the guys bowling first but we also look at what Leachy has done for club and country over the years," he said.
"We always want competition for places and we want it to be healthy. Nobody has the right to start but Jack has got a lot of experience and, from my side, that counts for a lot.
"Bash has so much time to grow and to become a world-class spinner who can bowl on all surfaces and know when to defend and attack. He'll be coming back from India to very different conditions in the UK.
"We're an incredibly ambitious club and we want to inspire players to represent England. We want to help them fulfil those aspirations and that doesn't change whether it's Shoaib or Jack."
One other England-capped spinner did find himself on the move on Friday, with Hampshire leg-spinner Mason Crane joining Glamorgan on a season-long loan.
The 27-year-old won a solitary Test cap for England at Sydney in the 2017/18 Ashes and also had two international T20 appearances for his country, but he has struggled to find a consistent role at Hampshire in recent years.
Last term proved a major frustration and, with the experienced left-arm spinner Liam Dawson excelling, Crane managed only two first-class appearances, taking one wicket.
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The 20-year-old was fast-tracked into England's Test squad in India after just six first-class matches and has quickly grown into his new surroundings, taking 12 wickets at an average of 32.83 in two mature outings for his country.
Bashir has been identified as a player with significant long-term potential by the ECB, but with his immediate path to regular first-team cricket is unclear, with Jack Leach - currently recovering from knee surgery - serving as Somerset and England's first-choice spinner.
England head coach Brendon McCullum said last week it would be "slightly mad" if Bashir and Lancashire's Tom Hartley, who has Australia's Nathan Lyon in his way as an overseas player at Old Trafford for 2024, were kept on the sidelines in county cricket this season.
Somerset head coach Kerr appreciates the dilemma. "It's certainly not easy but I always try and put myself in the player's shoes and what they want is to play cricket," he told Press Association.
"Bash will be on cloud nine right now and riding that. He would have seen the world very differently at the start of the winter than he does now that he's had international opportunities and done very well. So it's important to have really honest, transparent conversations.
"We start the season on April 5 and I'd be surprised if too many teams are playing two specialist spinners. So I understand there will be some questions about it.
"There's still a lot of water to go under the bridge, but what I'm not going to do is stand in the way of anyone's opportunity.
"We will always do what is best for the player and we've done it time and time again. We've allowed people to go on loan and get some cricket because it can benefit them and us in the future, and we've said no to players because they're next in line and we might need them.
"We will look at each case as it arises but, historically, we've been open to it."
Bashir's rapid rise effectively reprises the situation Somerset experienced when fellow off-spinner Dom Bess emerged. He and Leach began by working in tandem on turning pitches but, when Bess was elevated to the Test side, the pair eventually found themselves competing for one spot.
Leach held that berth, with Bess moving on to Yorkshire, and Kerr made it clear he retains full faith in Leach, who has given more than a decade of good service to Somerset.
"It's important we see both of the guys bowling first but we also look at what Leachy has done for club and country over the years," he said.
"We always want competition for places and we want it to be healthy. Nobody has the right to start but Jack has got a lot of experience and, from my side, that counts for a lot.
"Bash has so much time to grow and to become a world-class spinner who can bowl on all surfaces and know when to defend and attack. He'll be coming back from India to very different conditions in the UK.
"We're an incredibly ambitious club and we want to inspire players to represent England. We want to help them fulfil those aspirations and that doesn't change whether it's Shoaib or Jack."
One other England-capped spinner did find himself on the move on Friday, with Hampshire leg-spinner Mason Crane joining Glamorgan on a season-long loan.
The 27-year-old won a solitary Test cap for England at Sydney in the 2017/18 Ashes and also had two international T20 appearances for his country, but he has struggled to find a consistent role at Hampshire in recent years.
Last term proved a major frustration and, with the experienced left-arm spinner Liam Dawson excelling, Crane managed only two first-class appearances, taking one wicket.
Sky Sports
Shoaib Bashir: Somerset open to loan move for England star off-spinner
Shoaib Bashir has taken 12 wickets in two Tests after the 20-year-old off-spinner was fast-tracked onto Englands tour of India; head coach Brendon McCullum has said it would be slightly mad if Bashir and Lancashires Tom Hartley were kept on the sidelines in county cricket this season
shortbread
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I'm worried about the young lot of spinners in the current county system, they'll end up being unnecessary extras in the playing squad. Hope I'm proven wrong. Bashir should be a regular in the touring lions side, get as much first class cricket in him as possible.
Buffet
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Hopefully, Eng can make use of these young spinners and not just use them as fillers.
I liked what I saw in Bashir. The more he bowls, the better he will get.
I liked what I saw in Bashir. The more he bowls, the better he will get.
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He isn't Swann but definitely could be one.
Buffet
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If Eng takes care of him, he could become another Swann. He is very young and spinners do develop with time.
India Eng series was a lot of fun and it was due to young Eng spinners to some extent. Eng used to struggle to pick 20 wickets in India. They did it many times in this series. The scoreline of 3-1 does not reflect how interesting this series was for viewers.
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Got smoked for 140 runs in 40 overs, but got 3 important wickets so far in the 5th and final test match of the series. Surely, a good find for England on this tour.
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Former England captain Cook praised the bowling performance of Bashir, who has continued his impressive start to his Test career having claimed a maiden five-wicket haul in Ranchi last month. While speaking to a sports channel:
"I was impressed with the way Bashir kept his composure."
"If you take Yashasvi Jaiswal's attacking nature off his score, not that you should, then his figures are quite good. After a long attacking day he still did well."
"I was impressed with the way Bashir kept his composure."
"If you take Yashasvi Jaiswal's attacking nature off his score, not that you should, then his figures are quite good. After a long attacking day he still did well."
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Former England fast bowler Steven Finn believed 20-year-old Bashir adapted his pace well and is showing maturity beyond his years, while speaking to a sports channel:
"Bashir adapted as the day went on."
"When you look at young players you look out for how well they can do that."
"Throughout this series when we've seen Bashir bowl, he seems as though he's adapted as he's gone on."
"Before lunch he was bowling at 56mph, which is quick and flat for a spinner, and after lunch he bowled at 53mph, a touch slower, and you've got more variability off the surface, the odd one turned, and you had more play and misses."
"So clearly at lunch something was discussed and he got his rewards later in the day."
"Bashir adapted as the day went on."
"When you look at young players you look out for how well they can do that."
"Throughout this series when we've seen Bashir bowl, he seems as though he's adapted as he's gone on."
"Before lunch he was bowling at 56mph, which is quick and flat for a spinner, and after lunch he bowled at 53mph, a touch slower, and you've got more variability off the surface, the odd one turned, and you had more play and misses."
"So clearly at lunch something was discussed and he got his rewards later in the day."
jnaveen1980
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This is like that Jason Kreza taking 15 wickets in a match against India. But conceded awful lot of runs. If you keep bowling you are going to bump into some wickets.
Mesozoic
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He has been impressive overall though.
Him and Todd Murphy are the two best young foreign spinners to come to our shores in the past decade or so. Close third being Ajaz Patel.
Flat_Track_Bully
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Pakistani cricketer in England
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jnaveen1980
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Ajaz patel took 10 wickets in one innings. On Indian pitches against current Indian batsmen it is a bit easier to take a wicket or two.
charlie007
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Frankly, I’m not fully convinced on Bashir - just looking at his bowling not his age. I’m sure he will get better as he gains more experience and better understand his own bowling better. Right now, he’s too fast for how he bowls and is not getting as much spin as is possible on this pitch. He needs to slow down and provide more revs on the ball. The wickets he’s gotten include a lot of wickets where the batters have really lost it rather than Bashir doing anything special.
This is India and pitches support spin. If he can’t spin a decent amount here, imagine how he’ll do in other places that are either flat or SENA countries where he won’t get this kind of support.
I think England will do well to bring in Mushtaq or Saqlain or some other spin bowling coach to groom this young spinner before he fades away due to not getting the required guidance in time.
This is India and pitches support spin. If he can’t spin a decent amount here, imagine how he’ll do in other places that are either flat or SENA countries where he won’t get this kind of support.
I think England will do well to bring in Mushtaq or Saqlain or some other spin bowling coach to groom this young spinner before he fades away due to not getting the required guidance in time.
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Bashir has completed his five-wicket haul against India in the 5th test match. Even though he went for plenty of runs but still, he can take wickets that is the key here.
England bowlers with Test five-fors before turning 21:
2 - Shoaib Bashir
1 - Bill Voce
1 - James Anderson
1 - Rehan Ahmed
England bowlers with Test five-fors before turning 21:
2 - Shoaib Bashir
1 - Bill Voce
1 - James Anderson
1 - Rehan Ahmed
I dont know what you all are seeing in Bashir. Looked very mediocre and darting it in without any guile or planning to get batsmen out. Got plummeted by Indian batsmen
Can't forget the most mindless slog that he played first ball off the first ball and getting out while Root was set on the other end. Zero match IQ
Can't forget the most mindless slog that he played first ball off the first ball and getting out while Root was set on the other end. Zero match IQ
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Shoaib Bashir: Somerset and England spinner 'made effort to prove a point' after setback
Somerset and England off-spinner Shoaib Bashir says being told he was not good enough to make it made him more determined to "prove a point".
The 20-year-old made his England debut in February after a surprise call-up for the Test Series in India.
Bashir was released by Surrey as a teenager before being signed by Somerset.
"It's not easy being a young kid and then getting told you're not quite good enough to make it," Bashir said.
"Getting up from that and knowing if you want something that bad you want to put in work for it, that's sort of what I did. I really made an effort to improve myself as a cricketer and tried to prove a point."
Bashir said it had been a "surreal couple of months" after making his England debut.
He only made his Somerset debut last season, playing in six first-class matches, seven limited-overs matches and five games during their T20 winning Blast campaign.
"The winter's been quite the experience starting with the Lions out in Abu Dhabi on that two-week camp and then from there getting called up to play for your country. It's been such a surreal couple of months and one that I'll cherish for a long time," he told BBC Points West.
"I got picked up from pretty much nowhere - Somerset came to me out of the blue and so has England as well.
"I'm just so grateful for the opportunity and so thankful to God because without him none of this would have happened."
Bashir was fast-tracked into the England side after being spotted by Ben Stokes in a video that went viral, bowling to former England captain Sir Alastair Cook on the spinner's County Championship debut against Essex.
Although Bashir's debut was delayed because of visa issues, which meant he had to fly back home before returning to the England camp, he stepped out on the first day of the second Test in India and claimed 2-100.
"It was quite special. I remember walking out there and I was shaking - I was like, 'I'm walking out with Ben Stokes, Joe Root here, this is the experience'.
"I was nervous until I had the ball in my hand and then I felt at home. I've been bowling a cricket ball for years and I sort of knew that in the back of my head and after I bowled that first bowl I was on it."
Bashir was the 12th man for Somerset as they drew their County Championship opener against Kent last week but has been named in the squad for their second match away at Surrey, starting on Friday.
He said he is prepared for the conditions at home to be completely different to those he experienced in India.
"I'm still young, I'm still learning the game. I'm quite excited for what's to come. I know bowling in County Championship conditions early doors in this rain is part of the experience as well. I'm still trying to develop my skills," Bashir said.
"Bowling with different paces, different trajectories I need to work on, but also pace changes because the ball doesn't spin as much as it did in India so you've got to beat the batsman in different ways."
With England bowler Jack Leach also at Somerset, Bashir said he would be open to a loan move away from the county to gain more playing time and continue his development.
"It's still a conversation that we're trying to deal with. We know that Leachy is the main spinner here and I understand that and it's just trying to find a way to play some first-team cricket if that's here or maybe elsewhere," Bashir said.
"Have to have a few discussions but if that's the best way moving forward then I'm sure Somerset will be able to cater for that."
Shoaib Bashir: Somerset and England spinner 'made effort to prove a point' after setback
Somerset and England off-spinner Shoaib Bashir says being released by Surrey made him determined to "prove a point".
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I think it's not bad to learn from rivals. Skills are skills, and in cricket, you need to keep learning.
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That was a bit harsh from Indian authorities, but it made his debut memorable
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The future of England cricket.
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