Update on Shoaib Bashir’s Injury

LONDON: Marcus Trescothick, England’s batting coach, provided an update on Shoaib Bashir’s condition on Sunday, stating that the spinner is feeling significantly better and should be able to bowl on the fifth day if required.

Bashir sustained an injury to his left little finger during the 78th over of India’s initial innings when Ravindra Jadeja powerfully struck the ball back towards him.

He promptly signaled the England dressing room for assistance, and Joe Root completed the over.

Initially, team management hoped Bashir would return to bowl during the evening session. However, he remained on the sidelines with the substitute fielders and did not participate on the field on day four.

During the press conference at the close of the fourth day, Trescothick clarified that Bashir is completely fit and prepared to bowl if the team needs him.

“He’s fit to bowl, was ready to bowl. I think it comes in the regulation – he can come on to bowl as and when he’s needed, and then if he’s not bowling at any stage.

“He can then come back off because it’s obviously an external blow. So, should we need him, he will be ready to bowl,” Trescothick stated.

Throughout the series thus far, Bashir has secured nine wickets at an average of 59.44, including KL Rahul’s dismissal on day three at Lord’s.

For context, England were all out for 192 in their second innings, setting India a target of 193 to secure victory in the Lord’s Test.

Joe Root was the highest scorer for England with 40 runs, while captain Ben Stokes offered some resistance with 33 runs.

Harry Brook scored 23, and Zak Crawley added 22. However, five of England’s batsmen failed to reach double figures in the second innings.

From the Indian bowling attack, Washington Sundar stood out, claiming four wickets. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj each took two wickets, while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep each secured one wicket.