Somerset spin bowler Shoaib Bashir is optimistic about being ready for the first Ashes Test this winter, expressing relief that the injury to his little finger occurred on his non-bowling hand.
Bashir suffered the injury while attempting to take a catch during England’s third Test against India at Lord’s last month. The broken digit required an hour-long operation to insert a screw. Although his ring and little fingers were splinted when he appeared at the Chance to Shine event in Nottingham, Bashir remains hopeful about his recovery timeline.
Despite uncertainty about his exact return date, Bashir is confident he will be fit in time for England’s next Test series, which begins on November 21 in Perth as they aim to reclaim the Ashes urn. He is already planning strategies to face Australia’s top batsmen.
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Speaking at the Chance to Shine National Street Cricket Finals, Bashir said, “I’m thankful it was my non-bowling hand because otherwise things might look different. These things happen in cricket, and they’re part of the journey. I had a screw put in my finger just to hold the bone together — nothing over the top. I can’t play cricket for a bit, but I’m slowly getting back in the gym now, which is good.”
He added, “There’s no specific return date yet, but hopefully soon. I should be good for the start of the Ashes. It’s always in the back of your head—it’s the one series everyone talks about. I’ve been discussing plans but I’m not leaking anything here.”
Despite the injury, Bashir showed great determination, batting in England’s second innings and bowling on the fifth day of the Test to claim the final wicket of Mohammed Siraj, helping England secure a narrow victory in what was the final Test of the summer.
With Liam Dawson failing to make a strong impression when brought in for the fourth Test, Bashir remains unfazed by the competition for his spot. He said, “I don’t like to think like that. I believe whatever is written for you is written for you. My religion teaches me that. I just love playing the game and representing England.”
“The ultimate goal,” Bashir concluded, “is to keep trying to win games for England whenever I’m given the opportunity.”