When Shoaib Bashir got the call to tell him he was picked for the England men’s Test series against India, he acknowledged that he had cried.
The off-spinner from Somerset surprised everyone by being named in the 16-man team just six months after turning pro. With 10 wickets at an average of 67 in his meagre six first-class matches, all for Somerset, Bashir’s record is quite short.
As one of seven spinners chosen for a Lions training camp in the United Arab Emirates, he made an impression on all surfaces designed to mimic what England will probably experience in India. After finishing the three weeks with a six-for-42 performance in a two-inning game against Afghanistan A, he made an impact on managing director Rob Key and test coach Brendon McCullum, who traveled over to discuss possible spin alternatives for the Test team.
As for the gamble to choose Bashir, Key said, “You (could) see that there’s something different there, or that looks special.” McCullum gave the 20-year-old the call and broke the good news. Although Bashir felt he had done well in front of the appropriate people during the Lions trip, he was ecstatic to hear he had been selected for the five-match series in the New Year.
Bashir said to BBC Radio Somerset, “I let my emotions fall out when I got the call.” “I sobbed because I felt so numb within. It’s just so unique, and I’m incredibly appreciative of the chance I’ve been given.
“Thank you so much. Representing my country is something I’ve wanted to accomplish ever since I began playing cricket, gripping a bat, and bowling a ball. It is really unique for this to occur at such a young stage in my profession.
“I believe that ever since my debut, they have been closely monitoring me. They witnessed in Abu Dhabi what I could accomplish for India more so than for England on a different terrain. I believed that my demonstration of my abilities was strong. That, I believe, is what drew attention.”
The path to worldwide recognition for Bashir has not been easy or certain. Before being released over ten years later, he had been a part of the Surrey pipeline since Under-9 level. He had made a brief trial at Middlesex before settling down at Berkshire.
He initially caught Somerset’s attention when playing for Berkshire’s Under-18s, taking 5 for 26 in a 50-over semi-final. After that, he received an offer to try out for their second team for two games. In the first, he played locally against Surrey in Guildford, where he resides, going 3 for 51 in a game that was impacted by rain. Following that, he went 4 for 44 against Warwickshire, which helped him land his first professional deal.
During his first-class debut this summer against Essex, he made headlines when he produced two deliveries in his maiden over that defeated Sir Alastair Cook. There was obvious promise, even if he would only average one wicket per innings in the County Championship’s Division One. Selectors were drawn to Indian pitches because of characteristics they were looking for, particularly Bashir’s high release point from a 6’4″ frame, which allowed him to drive the ball into the surface without sacrificing spin or fly.
Bashir remarked, “My journey has been very special.” “Everyone is on a different journey, but I believe that mine is unique to me. My adventure began when I was liberated from the Surrey pathway and went from the U9s to the U17s. I think it was the lowest point of my career. At that point, I didn’t think I would be playing at any type of level.
“I’m glad I joined the minor counties team Berkshire; I had a great experience there. I still keep in touch with some of my best friends from that time, and I believe that when you love playing cricket, you give it your all.
“Now that I’m looking back, it seems so unique. Young children should just work hard and put in the necessary time if they truly desire something. Things will eventually work out.”
