Bashir Set for Surgery Following Finger Fracture

LONDON: Shoaib Bashir, England’s premier spinner, is confirmed to be out of the remaining two Test matches against India due to a fractured left finger, according to reports.

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

He immediately signaled for medical attention from the team’s medical staff, which led to Joe Root completing the over.

Initially, team management expressed optimism that Bashir might be able to bowl during the evening session; however, he remained off the field with the substitute players and was absent on the fourth day.

The 21-year-old was also absent for a significant portion of the deciding final day, eventually returning to bowl when the team needed two wickets to seal the victory.

His return proved crucial for England, as he secured the final wicket by dismissing Mohammed Siraj.

Following a dramatic victory, Shoaib Bashir is now expected to miss the upcoming two matches to undergo surgery this week.

Consequently, England will need to consider alternative options to replace the injured spinner, who has been a key member of their red-ball squad since February of the previous year.

Potential replacements for Bashir include left-arm spinner Jack Leach, who has played in 39 Tests for England, 20-year-old leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, and Liam Dawson, the leading wicket-taker in the current County Championship.