‘I Feel Really Comfortable’: Shoaib Bashir Thanks Ben Stokes And Brendon McCullum | Cricket News
Last Updated:
The England offspinner is grateful for the constant support from the team management and is eyeing a successful Test series against India.
Shoaib Bashir has taken 58 wickets in his 16 Tests. (AFP Photo)
England off-spinner Shoaib Bashir heaped praise on Bazball heads skipper Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum and expressed gratitude for the duo amid their constant support. Bashir, who was handpicked for Tests early last year by the Stokes-McCullum regime after only a few first-class appearances behind him, has enjoyed a regular place in England’s Test XI and earned a chance to grow in his role as a lead spinner at the highest level.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the marquee India series starting Friday, June 20, the 21-year-old lauded Stokes and McCullum for standing firmly behind him despite criticism around his lack of readiness as a Test bowler with an average that only fell to 36.39 despite his match haul of nine wickets against Zimbabwe four weeks ago.
“Yeah 100%, Baz and Stokesy are.. they back you 100%. Ultimately, I think that gets the best out of you. I feel really comfortable in that environment. So, for me to go out there and perform is just a second nature,” Bashir said.
Taking confidence from the clarity and assurance provided by the team management, the youngster said he is working on different aspects of his bowling and hoping to improve his consistency.
“There is always room to improve in every aspect but something for me (to focus on) is my consistency. I’m trying to work hard on that. I think as you gain experience, hopefully that will help you to improve that (consistency),” he said.
Bashir also opened up about his County Championship future after being sent out on loan to Glamorgan by Somerset, eyeing more regular game time in the first-class system.
“Game time is quite important,” Bashir said. “I need to gather different experiences to ultimately better my game. I’ll take it as it comes.”
The English off-spinner will have a critical role to play during the five-Test series against India as Stokes and McCullum look up to him for control and pressure for their four-pronged seam attacks. Bashir, who has 16 Test appearances under his belt with 58 wickets, enjoyed a learning experience in his last assignment versus the Asian powerhouse. He took his 17 wickets at 33.35, including two five-wicket hauls, during the 2024 trip to India.
United Kingdom (UK)
Read More
