LONDON — England's young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against India after sustaining a broken finger on his left hand during the fourth Test in Ranchi. The injury, confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), leaves England without one of their key spin options as they prepare for the final match in Dharamsala.
The 20-year-old, who made his Test debut earlier in the series, suffered the injury while fielding on day three of the fourth Test. Scans later revealed a fracture, forcing him out of contention for the fifth and final match. An ECB statement read: "Shoaib Bashir has been ruled out of the rest of the Test series after scans revealed a fracture in his left index finger. He will return to the UK for further assessment and rehabilitation."
A Promising Start Cut Short
Bashir’s inclusion in the England squad had been a major talking point before the series, given his limited first-class experience. However, the Somerset spinner quickly proved his worth, taking 12 wickets in his first three Tests, including a four-wicket haul in Ranchi. His height and ability to extract sharp turn made him a valuable asset on India’s turning tracks.
England captain Ben Stokes praised Bashir’s impact, saying: "He’s been brilliant. For someone so young to come into these conditions and perform the way he has, it’s been incredible to watch. It’s a shame his series has ended this way."
England’s Spin Options Dwindle
With Bashir unavailable, England’s spin department is further depleted. Jack Leach, their most experienced spinner, was ruled out earlier in the tour due to a knee injury, leaving Rehan Ahmed and Tom Hartley as the primary slow-bowling options. Possible adjustments include:
- Recalling Liam Dawson, who was initially overlooked despite strong domestic form
- Relying more on Joe Root’s part-time off-spin
- Considering an extra seamer given Dharamsala’s cooler conditions
The Road to Recovery
Bashir’s injury is expected to sideline him for several weeks, potentially affecting his availability for the early stages of the English county season. A spokesperson for Somerset confirmed: "We’ll assess him fully once he returns, but finger injuries for spinners can be tricky, so we won’t rush his recovery."
India’s Dominance Continues
India, leading the series 3-1, have already secured victory but will aim to extend their dominance in the final Test. Their spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, have been instrumental, with Ashwin recently becoming only the second Indian bowler to reach 500 Test wickets.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan noted: "Losing Bashir is a blow for England. He brought something different to their attack. India’s spinners have been relentless, and England’s challenge just got tougher."
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, England remain optimistic about their spin resources. Head coach Brendon McCullum hinted at opportunities for others, stating: "It’s unfortunate for Shoaib, but it’s a chance for someone else to step up. We’ve seen how well our young spinners have adapted, and we back them to keep delivering."
The fifth Test begins on March 7 in Dharamsala, a venue known for its picturesque setting and seam-friendly conditions. England will hope to end the tour on a high, while India look to cement their status as the world’s top Test side.
Bashir’s injury marks an unfortunate end to what had been a breakthrough series for the young spinner. His performances, however, suggest a bright future ahead. As Stokes put it: "He’s shown he belongs at this level. This won’t be the last we see of him in an England shirt."