Shoaib Bashir’s Resilience Earns Praise from England Spin Coach
England’s spin coach, Jeetan Patel, has hailed the resilience and skill of Shoaib Bashir after the young spinner overcame illness to claim four first-innings wickets in the fifth Test against India. Bashir’s performance, despite being under the weather, has earned him Patel’s admiration and a promise of continued support in his career progression.
Bashir, along with Ollie Robinson, had missed the final training session before the Test due to illness. However, he showed remarkable determination to bowl 44 overs in India’s first innings, adding to the 70 overs he bowled in the previous Test. Despite a cut on his spinning finger, Bashir remained relentless, nearly claiming a five-wicket haul.
Patel praised Bashir’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and hard work. He also commended the entire England bowling attack for their resilience in taking seven wickets on the second day. “It’s a hell of an effort,” Patel said of Bashir’s role. “He’s put in a hell of a shift for us.”
Patel’s optimistic approach to adversity has been a hallmark of the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum era. Despite India’s lead, Patel believes England can still fight back. “We’re going to have tough days in Test cricket,” he said. “And today was one of them. If you put enough hard yards in, eventually the circle turns and it comes back on you.”
Patel’s mentorship of Bashir and other young spinners is crucial for England’s future. He plans to continue supporting them even after the current tour. “My work continues when they are not with England,” he said. “I am not the sort of bloke who is going to leave them in the lurch.”
Bashir’s meteoric rise from obscurity has raised questions about his future playing time. Patel acknowledged that Bashir and Hartley may face limited opportunities in the coming weeks, but he believes they have something to offer England. “They have something to offer England, but we want to keep pushing that and advancing their learning,” he said.
Patel’s praise for Bashir’s development highlights the young spinner’s potential. “The spin he can access, over spin, side spin … he’s got some overs to bowl yet, he’s going to have to keep learning,” Patel said. “But what he’s done in his three Tests here has certainly shown that.”