Massive news arrives regarding Shoaib Bashir ahead of IND vs ENG 2nd Test

Young right-arm off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has joined the England national side in Hyderabad, which is currently taking part on day 4 of the 1st of a 5-match Test series against India. Bashir could not arrive in India on time with his English teammates and coaching staff because of some issues related to getting his visa approved by Indian authorities.

Shoaib Bashir was asked to wait for a while to get his visa approved and thus he stayed in Abu Dhabi for an extended period along with an official of the English contingent. Head coach Brendon McCullum had spoken to the media a day after the incident occurred and stated that they have received assurances from BCCI who are working with the Indian government for Bashir’s visa.

However, days passed by but Bashir was still not able to arrive in India and join the team before flying back to England is sheer frustration. England captain Ben Stokes had also expressed his concerns on the matter and said, “When I first found the news out in Abu Dhabi, I did say we shouldn’t fly until Bash gets his visa. But that was a little bit tongue-in-cheek. I know it’s a way bigger thing than doing that. I’m pretty devastated that Bash has had to go through this.”

A British government official had also slammed the Indian government for allegedly treating Pakistani-based England citizens unfairly. “We absolutely expect India to treat British citizens fairly at all times in its visa process. We have previously raised the issues British citizens with Pakistani heritage experience applying for visas with the Indian High Commission in London.”

It should be noted that leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed who is one of the 3 recognized spinners in the England playing XI for the 1st Test, also has his origins from Pakistan, and if there was any sort of biasedness for Pakistan-based players, then the Indian government would have denied the visa application of Rehan as well.

Nonetheless, Shoaib Bashir joined the team at the Rajiv Gandhi stadium in Hyderabad on day 4. England are currently out there trying to defend a total of 231 which was set up due to the emphatic knock from number 3 batter Ollie Pope who smacked a 278-ball 196 runs knock.

If it wasn’t for his extraordinary efforts then England would have been folded out for less than 200 and would have made the job much easier for the Indian contingent.

With Jack Leach Doubtful For 2nd Test, Will England Back Shoaib Bashir To Start At Vishakhapatnam?

England raised a lot of eyebrows when they named just 1 pacer in the starting 11 for the 1st Test, choosing Mark Wood to start ahead of James Anderson. In terms of spinners, England entrusted Jack Leach, Rehan Ahmed, and Tom Hartley while Joe Root acted as the supporting spinner.

However, Leach is bowling limitedly in the 4th innings due to a swelling on his thighs. He is in major doubts about starting in the 2nd Test and that might open the door for Shoaib Bashir to start at Vishakhapatnam.