Rewind Shoaib Bashir, the 21-year-old off-spinner, has shot to stardom from relative anonymity. He is now an absolutely indispensable member of the England cricket team. He piqued the interest of England superstar Ben Stokes with a clip he posted to social media. This spell was the foundation of his deserved national call up last year. Since that performance, Bashir has become the first choice spinner for England, taking 17 wickets in only three matches, including a ten-wicket haul.
Bashir’s impact in one-day international cricket is significant. He had only last year re-established his credentials at Test level, taking eight wickets in three Tests against New Zealand at an average of 52. His first Test of this series with Pakistan in Multan was disappointing. He finished the game with appalling figures of 1-156. Bashir’s distinctive verticality allows him to create highly prized cork. This does not diminish his deadly promise as a weapon towards opposing batsmen, even in failure.
And although he evidence of a bowler who can deliver wickets balls, Bashir has struggled with control this season. He’s often been a little shaky in the length department and shied away from or at times thrown up some hot potato chest passes. But recent numbers reflect a much better situation. Whereas last year he only bowled 26% of his OD deliveries in the full region, earlier this month he increased that number to 41% in a match against Zimbabwe. In addition, his deliveries going down the leg side spiked from 32% to 17% over the course of one Test.
In a remarkable display of skill, Bashir took six wickets on the third day of England’s victory over Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge. This performance ensured his status as one of the top stars on a young up-and-coming team. He has already taken 58 wickets in Tests. In doing so, he became the youngest England bowler to take 50 wickets in this format.
In a bid to hone his craft, Bashir transferred his talents to Glamorgan, initially on loan, at the start of the season. The overall experience was valuable exposure to matches for him. His recent technical changes have made a world of difference in his progression. He then worked individually with England’s spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel to develop these improvements further.
England captain Ben Stokes was full of praise for Bashir and his development.
“It’s scary to think about the start of his career considering what he had experience-wise before he made his Test debut,” – Ben Stokes
For Stokes, the most encouraging prospect in Bashir’s trajectory is the possibility that he will only get better.
“It’s impossible for him not to get even better than what he is now,” – Ben Stokes
Stokes and the coaching staff have been hugely influential in helping Bashir realize his potential. Their advice has enabled him to meet the rigors of international cricket head on.
“The guys that we’ve got working with him, with all the technical stuff with Jeets [Jeetan Patel],” Stokes noted.
Even with some skepticism from some corners about Bashir’s county track record, Stokes is excited about his potential impact going forward.
“If he keeps putting in performances like he has done this week, and continues in the way his career has gone, hopefully one day it will properly make sense to everyone why we pick him,” – Ben Stokes
Former England captain Michael Vaughan too took to the debate on Bashir’s talents.
“Too many people talk about his county record,” – Michael Vaughan
Bashir has gone from anonymity to emerging as possible England’s secret weapon. His journey is a testament to his talent and serves as an indication of even greater things to come as his career continues to develop. Now, he has to pivot on the fly and make technical changes. This skill will be important as he faces stiffer tests on the cricket field going forward.
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