Just after delivering the knockout punch to secure England’s dramatic win at Lord’s, off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has been ruled out of the final two Tests of the India vs England series.
The youngster, who played through pain during the third Test, will now undergo surgery for a finger injury and is officially out of action for the remainder of the five-match series.
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The fourth Test is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester, with England leading the series 2-1.
What led to Shoaib Bashir’s injury?
Bashir injured the little finger on his left (non-bowling) hand during the third day of the Lord’s Test while attempting to stop a fierce drive from Ravindra Jadeja.
The blow forced him off the field, but the 20-year-old returned later to bat in England’s second innings and bowl six overs in India’s fourth-innings chase, despite visible discomfort.
His most memorable moment came right at the end. With India just 23 runs away from victory and one wicket in hand, Bashir dismissed Mohammed Siraj to clinch a famous 22-run win for England and hand them a vital lead in the series.
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The dismissal was unusual. Siraj tried to defend a delivery that rolled back gently onto his stumps off the bounce, dislodging the leg bail.
Shoaib Bashir performance in the series
Bashir featured in all three Tests so far in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy and has picked up 10 wickets, making him England’s third-highest wicket-taker in the series.
His absence is a major blow for England. The ECB has yet to name a replacement, but the decision is expected within the next few days.
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With the series still open and India eager to bounce back after the close loss at Lord’s, England’s spin department will feel the absence of Bashir.