IND vs ENG 2024: Credit to England for taking a punt on Shoaib Bashir – Anil Kumble

Legendary Anil Kumble gave credit to England for backing young Shoaib Bashir in the fourth Test match against India in Ranchi. Bashir replaced Rehan Ahmed, who had to fly back home due to personal reasons, in the final XI.

The off-spinner returned with figures of 4-84 on the second day’s play against India after bowling 31 overs on the bounce. Bashir accounted for in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, and Ravindra Jadeja in his fine spell.

The youngster got the ball in the right areas and reaped rewards on a helpful pitch. Bashir bowled at the top of his game and delivered for the tourists.

“He’s been very impressive. The kind of lines he bowled as an off-spinner, he’s kept it outside of the right-hander’s eye-line. Very few off-spinners bowl from over the stumps to right-handers these days but he’s been very consistent,” said Kumble while talking to JioCinema.

“He’s got the pace right on this surface. And look at that length, it’s fantastic to see that almost 90 per cent is in the productive area where the odd ball will jump. The beehive is perfect for an off-spinner,” Kumble added.

The former leg-spinner showered praise on England’s team management for backing Bashir. The youngster from Surrey, was picked in England’s squad despite the lack of experience in first-class cricket.

“Credit to England management for taking a punt on Bashir. What I understand is that Sir Alastair Cook was batting against Bashir and some 20 balls that Ben Stokes saw, prompted him to get him on tour to India,” said Kumble.

Bashir’s 4-84 is his best bowling figures in any form of the game. The youngster’s spell has put England in a commanding position as India finished the second day’s play at 219-7, trailing the visitors’ first innings score of 353 by 134 runs.