‘Bashir has shown the world what he can do’

It was Bashir’s third five-wicket haul in just five Tests but first in England after he twice achieved the feat on spin-friendly Indian pitches earlier this year

Ben Stokes said Shoaib Bashir had “showed the world” he belonged in international cricket after the 20-year-old off-spinner bowled England to a series-clinching victory over the West Indies in the second Test at Trent Bridge on Sunday.

Bashir took 5-41 as the West Indies collapsed to 143 all out on the fourth evening, with England triumphing by 241 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in a three-match campaign. It was Bashir’s third five-wicket haul in just five Tests but first in England after he twice achieved the feat on spin-friendly Indian pitches earlier this year.

Ben Stokes

His latest exploits were all the more impressive given Bashir did not bowl a single ball and was out for a duck during England’s innings and 114-run thrashing of the West Indies in the first Test at Lord’s. 

Bashir removed Kirk McKenzie, Kavem Hodge and Alick Athanaze—all top-order batsmen—in quick succession before bowling Jason Holder and last man Shamar Joseph as West Indies, set 385 to win, slumped to 143 all out. “I think what Bash has done today is to show the world what he can do,” said England captain Stokes. 

“That wicket hardly offered anything for a spinner throughout the whole Test match and look at what he was able to do today. “The way in which he can change his pace, produce over-spin and under-spin...I think he showed his full bag of tricks. He’s got so much talent and the ceiling is so, so high. He’s got an unbelievable desire and a will to get better and learn.” 

Stokes added: “It’s really good for a young guy to come out and put in a performance that wins England a Test match, it’s pretty cool for him.” 

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!