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Former England cricketer Mark Butcher has lauded Shoaib Bashir for his impressive performance in England’s recent Test series victory over the West Indies. This win was crucial in improving England’s standing on the WTC points table.
Brendon McCullum had earlier expressed satisfaction with the progress of the England Test team. Following this, Mark Butcher has also highlighted Bashir’s standout performance, noting that he appears to be ahead of his peers, such as Rehan Ahmed and Will Jacks.
Bashir made a significant impact in the series by taking nine wickets at an average of 27.22, including a five-wicket haul. Butcher praised Bashir’s fundamental skills, stating that they are superior to those of Rehan Ahmed and Will Jacks.
He’s Really Skillful: Mark Butcher On Shoaib Bashir
“I think difference perhaps with Shoaib Bashir in comparison to Rehan Ahmed or Will Jacks, who both had their moments in Pakistan, is that there is a real foundation and fundamental skill he has in terms of his control of length and line, and the fact that even at such a young age he’s able to go up and down in terms of pace and flight. He’s really skillful, “said Butcher.
He also commended the young spinner for his fearless approach, noting that he maintained his composure and focus even when the batsmen were aggressively attacking him.
“He’s not one of these guys who gets upset or ruffled if someone comes after him, he welcomes it, and he seems to know himself well enough to know where he wants fielders and what he’s going to do. That’s incredible for someone of his young age and gives you a clue of how good he could be, so that’s a massive tick for the selectors there,” Butcher added.
With England facing an extended Test season ahead, maintaining Shoaib Bashir’s form and fitness will be crucial. The England management must ensure he stays in peak condition. Bashir served as the primary spinner in the series against the West Indies, but it’s essential for the team to have two or three spin options, including Bashir, to allow for rotation.
This is where Rehan Ahmed and Will Jacks come into play. Together with Bashir, they could establish a formidable spin trio for Test cricket, while Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone handle the spinning duties in limited-overs formats.
Jack Leach, who has accumulated 35 Test caps, last played against India in January 2024. After featuring in the first Test of that series, he was sidelined with a knee injury and has yet to return to the Test side. As England prepares for a demanding Test schedule, it’s crucial for Leach to be back in the squad for the Ashes series next year.
In the meantime, England can celebrate their Test series victory over the West Indies and build on the positives from the series. Their next challenge is a three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, starting on August 21.
