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Rookie England spinner Shoaib Bashir admitted that he didn't recognize England head coach Brendon McCullum when the latter made a phone call to notify his inclusion in the India tour. The 20-year-old expressed his delight upon getting the opportunity to represent England.
The selectors have included three uncapped players for the five-match Test series against India. Bashir's inclusion was highly surprising, given that he has played only 6 first-class matches and managed 10 scalps. However, managing director Robert Key has backed him to be a world-class spinner.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the youngster recalled McCullum's phone call and elaborated:
"I was like ‘Who is this? It could be anyone random. I didn’t think it was someone winding me up, and I didn’t think much of it until it hit me. Then I was like, ‘Wow, it’s Baz'. Honestly, I can’t put it into words now, and it’s been two or three days. It’s just so special. I’m delighted to have an opportunity – it is crazy, crazy news.”
Bashir believes his range of skills should be effective enough in India should he get a game.
"I’ve got the off-spinner, the undercutter, a side-spinner and an arm ball. And I am working on a Carrom ball, too. So, I’ve got a few, and I think they would work quite nicely in India."
With Indian players being one of the best in tackling spin, England's bowling unit, led by Jack Leach, will face a massive challenge this winter.
"I feel like religion is who I am today" - Shoaib Bashir
The off-spinner attributed his brief career success to his faith in his religion, stating that he was thankful to the almighty god. He added:
"I feel like religion is who I am today. I believe that God has a plan for you, and whatever is good, he will give it to you, and whatever is not, he will keep it away. But he can also take away the good. I thank God every day for every opportunity he’s given me, and he showered a massive blessing upon me by getting selected to play for England."
The first Test between India and England begins on January 25, 2024, in Hyderabad.
