England’s promising spinner Shoaib Bashir has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against India due to a finger fracture.
An Unfortunate End to the Series
The 21-year-old off-spinner sustained the injury to his left little finger during the third Test at Lord’s. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed his withdrawal from the series on Monday.
Bashir is now scheduled to undergo surgery later this week to address the fracture. This news comes as a blow for England, especially after their impressive 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
How the Injury Occurred
The incident happened on the third day of the Lord’s Test while Bashir was bowling to Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja hit a powerful drive straight back at the bowler, causing the impact.
Despite the injury, Bashir continued to play a part in the match. He bowled 5.5 overs in India’s second innings and even claimed the final wicket of Mohammed Siraj, sealing England’s thrilling 22-run victory.
The Thrilling Lord’s Encounter
The third Test was a nail-biting affair. India, chasing a target of 193, were struggling at 112 for eight. However, a resilient effort from Ravindra Jadeja, who scored an unbeaten 61, alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, brought them close.
Despite their late surge, India ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 170. England’s pace trio of Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, and Brydon Carse were instrumental in dismantling the Indian batting line-up.
The match concluded dramatically when Bashir’s delivery to Siraj rolled back onto the stumps, ending India’s chase and sparking celebrations for the home side. The series now stands at 2-1 in England’s favour, adding more anticipation for the upcoming matches.
Looking Ahead for England
With Bashir sidelined, England will need to adjust their bowling attack. The ECB is expected to announce their squad for the fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford in the coming days.
It remains to be seen who will step into Bashir’s shoes and how this change will impact England’s strategy as they aim to clinch the series against a determined Indian side.
- Shoaib Bashir fractured his left little finger during the third Test against India.
- He will undergo surgery and miss the rest of the Test series.
- Despite the injury, Bashir took the final wicket in England’s 22-run victory at Lord’s.
- England currently leads the five-match series 2-1.
The focus now shifts to the squad announcement for the upcoming fourth Test, as both teams prepare for the next chapter of this exciting contest.
