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On the back of a superb spell of off-spin bowling from Shoaib Bashir, England managed to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series against the West Indies. From a seemingly good position in their run chase, the visitors fell apart like a pack of cards, suffering a 241-run defeat.
Bashir used his height to good effect, kept hitting the right lengths, and got the extra bounce to trouble the West Indies batters, as they were bowled out for just 143. Kraigg Brathwaite and company made a great account for themselves in the first innings, taking a 41 run lead but couldn't quite show their mettle when it mattered the most.
For the first time in Test cricket, England crossed 400 in both innings and set up the win, courtesy of some brilliant batting by the middle order. Ollie Pope scored a century in the first innings while Harry Brook and Joe Root managed to raise their bats in the second innings.
The West Indies put up an exceptional fight in the first innings on the back of a splendid century from Kavem Hodge and useful half-centuries from Alick Athanaze and Joshua Sa Silva. The openers looked in good touch during the second innings before Shoaib Bashir rattled the middle order.
Having said that, let us have a look why Shoaib Bashir could be the next big thing in England cricket:
1. Bashir gets the extra bounce due to his height
In conditions like England, it's not always how much you turn the ball but it's the bounce that you generate off the surface. Bashir is one of the tallest spinners going around and can extract the extra bounce, which tends to trouble any top class batter.
Earlier this year, the 20-year-old proved his mettle during the away series in India in what was his first Test series. Despite having limited first class experience, England team management decided to include the offie in the playing-11. He did go for some runs but his wicket-taking abilities were there for everyone to see.
2. Shoaib Bashir is a raw talent who can be nurtured into a superstar
Bashir is not even a certainty in his county squad, so how exactly he got selected in the Test team was a question when he got picked for the tour of India. However, everyone was impressed seeing his composure against some high-quality batters.
He might not be one of the most talented spinners going around but he is a raw talent who can be nurtured into something big. Shoaib Bashir has a smooth action and a repeatable one which could be improved as his career progresses. He certainly has the potential to be the spinner England were looking for.
3. Bashir is an attacking, wicket-taking bowler
For a considerable amount of time, Jack Leach was the premier spinner for England in the longest format. However, there was a radical change in their Test set up when the likes of Leach, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Foakes were ousted from the squad from the ongoing series.
Shoaib Bashir being selected as the premier spinner was a clear indication that England are looking for someone who can be a wicket-taking option. He can leak runs but has shown his wicket-taking skill both in India and in his home conditions. He could certainly be a spinner for all conditions
