Huge Blow For England as Shoaib Bashir Ruled Out of India Series; Replacement Named

The Indian fans were left heartbroken as the team lost the second Test at Lord’s by just 22 runs. Chasing 193, India were struggling at 82/7. But Ravindra Jadeja gave hope to the fans. He added valuable runs with the lower order. He almost pulled off a miracle but in the end, Shoaib Bashir bowled Mohammed Siraj and sealed the match for England.

England players celebrated wildly as Bashir became a hero overnight. But at the same time, there is sad news for England fans. In a major setback, Bashir has been injured and ruled out of the remaining matches of this series. It is a huge blow for England as he Bashir is their premier spin bowler in this format.

Shoaib Bashir Injury at Lord's

Shoaib Bashir had hurt himself during the first innings of the IND vs ENG Lord's Test. However, he still played on and took key wickets. But the injury has now ruled him out. Bashir has been ruled out due to a fractured finger, an injury that he suffered on Day 3 after attempting a low return catch to Ravindra Jadeja's powerful drive. He immediately went back to the dressing room for further treatment afterwards and Joe Root completed his over.

England skipper Ben Stokes praised Shoaib Bashir Lords Test performance for his brave effort, that earned him the last wicket on Day 5. “The courage that he showed to go out there and bat at the end for us and willing to sit there on the bench waiting for his moment to come on and bowl just proves how much it means to everyone who gets the opportunity to put the shirt on, that not even a couple of breaks is going to stop anyone getting out there,” Stokes said.

Bashir was the only full-time spinner in the squad. England had not named a full squad for the series. They are announcing their team before each Test. The offspinner has been Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum's preferred option in Test cricket for some time now. Recently, he has overtaken the left-arm spinner

Who Replaced Shoaib Bashir for Last 2 Tests?

Left-arm Spin-bowling allrounder Liam Dawson is set to return to England’s Test team after eight years. He has been added to the squad for the fourth Test against India. Dawson last played a Test match in July 2017. He was called up after the unfortunate Shoaib Bashir injury at Lord's.

Although Dawson has played only three Test matches, he has been one of the top performers in county cricket. He plays for Hampshire and was named the PCA Player of the Year in both 2023 and 2024. In the ongoing County Championship, Dawson has taken 21 wickets in nine matches at an average of 40.04. He also did well in the T20 Vitality Blast, taking 11 wickets in 10 games.

England’s national selector Luke Wright announced Dawson's comeback in the team after 8 years. He also stated that the spinner has earned his selection through consistent performances. “Liam Dawson deserves his call-up. He has been in great form in the County Championship and regularly performs well for Hampshire,” Wright said in a statement released by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

When is IND vs ENG 4th Test?

The next match between India and England will be held at the Emirates Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester from July 23. The series is currently being led by England at 2-1. The next two matches will be crucial. England need a quality spinner to step in and deliver. The final decision will depend on pitch conditions and team balance. However, the hosts have an advantage after winning the Lord's Test.