News by “Sana Ullah”
Amidst a finely poised fourth Test against India, England’s Shoaib Bashir finds optimism, envisioning an opportunity for his team’s youthful spin attack to emerge as heroes.
In a spirited display, Bashir, at 20 years old, secured his maiden five-wicket haul in only his second Test, aiding in India’s dismissal for 307 runs on the third day in Ranchi. Despite the hosts’ resilient response, with India needing 152 more runs with all wickets intact, Bashir remains steadfast in his belief of an England triumph in Ranchi and a decisive encounter in Dharamsala.
Bashir, alongside 24-year-old spinner Tom Hartley, showcased their burgeoning talent by clinching eight crucial wickets in India’s first innings. However, the formidable duo of senior Indian spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav, countered with nine dismissals, tilting the game in India’s favor.
Even amidst the challenge posed by seasoned opposition spinners, Bashir draws motivation. Observing the prowess of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, he expresses confidence gleaned from their performance, emphasizing the chance for him and Hartley to etch their names in the annals of cricketing heroism.
Reflecting on his journey, Bashir cherishes his standout moment of trapping debutant Akash Deep lbw for his fifth wicket, celebrating with heartfelt emotion. Amidst the joy, he pays homage to his late grandfathers, whose unwavering support fueled his cricketing dreams, making this achievement particularly poignant.
