Former Indian Skipper Anil Kumble praised the England team management for including the young and relatively inexperienced Shoaib Bashir in the squad for the ongoing five-Test series. The former Indian spinner commended Bashir for his excellent bowling performance and ability to trouble the Indian batters with his accurate deliveries on the second day of the fourth Test in Ranchi.
Bashir marked his international debut against India during the second Test in Vishakhapatnam. While his performance was modest in his inaugural appearance, the 20-year-old showcased his potential in Ranchi, claiming four crucial wickets that have significantly tilted the game in England’s favor. His impressive display has put the touring side on course for a potential victory.
Anil Kumble on the over that brought Shoaib Bashir to India
In an Interaction with Jio Cinema, Kumble reminisced about a particular over, bowled by Shoaib Bashir to Alastair Cook that caught the attention of Ben Stokes, leading to Bashir’s selection for the India tour.
Credit to England management for taking a punt on Bashir,” Kumble said. “What I understand is that Sir Alastair Cook was batting against Bashir and some 20 balls that Ben Stokes saw, prompted him to get him on tour to India. He’s been very impressive. The kind of lines he bowled as an off-spinner, he’s kept it outside of the right-hander’s eye-line.”
The Surrey spinner marked his international debut by dismissing Indian captain Rohit Sharma, securing his maiden international wicket. In the Ranchi Test, he further impressed by taking the key wickets of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rajat Patidar.
Shoaib Bashir has been very consistent- Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble also lauded Shoaib Bashir for his skill in consistently bowling at the right pace and hitting the vulnerable spots on the pitch with precision. The former Indian Head Coach added,
Very few off-spinners bowl from over the stumps to right-handers these days but he’s been very consistent. He’s got the pace right on this surface. And look at that length, it’s fantastic to see that almost 90 per cent is in the productive area where the odd ball will jump. The beehive is perfect for an off-spinner.”
With England posting a total of 353 runs in their first innings, India find themselves at 219/7 in response. The hosts hold a 2-1 series lead, having secured comprehensive victories in the last two matches, while England is striving to stage a comeback in the ongoing Test.
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