In a recent column for the Daily Mail, former England captain Nasser Hussain lauded the impressive performance of off-spinner Shoaib Bashir during the Lord’s Test against Sri Lanka. Despite bowling just seven overs on the second day, Bashir made a significant impact, claiming the wicket of Prabath Jayasuriya and demonstrating high-quality spin bowling. Hussain highlighted Bashir’s potential, drawing comparisons to Australia’s Nathan Lyon and expressing optimism about his development ahead of next year’s Ashes series.
Impressive Bowling from Shoaib Bashir
Former England captain Nasser Hussain praised the performance of off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, despite him bowling only seven overs on day two of the Lord’s Test against Sri Lanka. Hussain was particularly impressed with Bashir’s delivery to Prabath Jayasuriya, where the ball’s flight and spin led to Jayasuriya’s dismissal. The delivery demonstrated Bashir’s potential to make a significant impact in the future, with Hussain noting that his ability to vary the pace and flight was notable for someone of his age.
Bashir’s performance was highlighted as a positive sign for England’s prospects in the upcoming Ashes series. Hussain observed that Bashir’s bowling included a significant amount of over-spin, which made it challenging for experienced batsmen like Kamindu Mendis to adjust. This ability to extract extra bounce and turn from the pitch was compared to the skills of Nathan Lyon, Australia’s renowned off-spinner, indicating that Bashir could be a key player for England.
Bashir’s Future Potential and Current Form
Hussain acknowledged that while Bashir still needs to refine his control, especially against right-handed batsmen, his early performances show promise. The veteran cricketer pointed out that Bashir’s ability to extract considerable turn from the ball and trouble established batsmen was a good sign of his potential. With continued development, Hussain believes Bashir could become a crucial player for England, especially in spin-friendly conditions like those expected in Australia next year.
In addition to praising Bashir’s individual performance, Hussain highlighted the overall strength of the England side at Lord’s. He noted that England’s fielding and strategic placement were exemplary, contrasting with Sri Lanka’s apparent unfamiliarity with the conditions. The collective performance of the England team, alongside Bashir’s standout bowling, showcased their readiness and tactical awareness on the field.
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