England appear to be in good spirits as they land on India’s verdant east coast on Tuesday, with their head coach Brendan McCullum revealing Shoaib Bashir is in contention for a possible Test debut this week with a full-spin attack It’s not impossible.
Bashir, the 20-year-old off-spinner, whose entry into India was delayed due to visa issues, arrived on Sunday to watch England’s 1-0 series lead. Hyderabad’s 28-run victory did not come without casualties, however, with Jack Leach now facing a game to suit up for the second Test starting on Friday after picking up a serious bruise on his left knee.
“Bash was with us during the training camp in Abu Dhabi and we were really impressed with his skills,” McCallum told SENZ radio in his native New Zealand. “He has integrated seamlessly into the team and is a passionate individual despite his youth and very limited first-class experience. [six matches].
“The boys gave him a huge cheer when he arrived and he witnessed something very special. He started calculating the next Test match. If as the series went on, the wickets continued like we did in the first Spin like we saw in the first test, then we won’t be afraid to use all the spinners, or the balance we have.”
England clearly had no hesitation in pushing Bashir into the fray, with the equally green Tom Hartley’s success – nine wickets on debut, including seven in the fourth innings – coming in for Ben Stock Sri Lanka’s win came after the left-armer was initially taken down in India’s opener.
McCallum continued: “I think that’s a real sign of leadership. It sends a clear message not only to Tom, but to the people around the team: when we talk about freedom, participation in the game And when trying to get involved and make a difference, you won’t be abandoned or taken away from the crease from the first sign of danger.
“Let’s not forget – and I think this is a very relevant point – but Nathan Lyon, he only played a few first-class games [four] When he was first selected by the Australian team, he averaged more than 40 points per game. He went on to have a stellar career.
“When you see someone who you think is good enough and who you think can adapt to the conditions, it’s like a course horse. You have to back up your judgement.
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“Nobody could have foreseen a 60-plus seven in the first game, or a 9-over game, or 60-plus runs, runs and catches. But sometimes, you have to be brave and make a choice. If If you like a character, like their skills and think it fits the conditions, then it’s an educated bet.”
