Rohit Sharma’s wicket special: England debutant Shoaib Bashir

PTI

Visakhapatnam, February 2

The “slight hassle” caused by a visa delay for the India tour is very much a thing of the past for 20-year-old England debutant Shoaib Bashir, who is chuffed about Rohit Sharma being his first Test wicket.

Bashir, who is of Pakistan heritage, could not travel with the England squad to Hyderabad from Abu Dhabi for the series opener due to a visa delay. He joined the team in the middle of the Hyderabad Test before witnessing a special win.

On Friday, the 6 feet 4 inches tall off-spinner showed what he was capable of and why skipper Ben Stokes picked him in the squad after watching a video clip of his bowling on social media.

Bashir, who played only six First-Class games before getting his big break, was England’s best spinner on the opening day, returned figures of 2/100 in 28 overs. He also bowled the most number of overs on the day.

“It’s been a very special day. For all that I’ve been through in the last two to three years, it made it even more special. To get Rohit Sharma out, my first wicket, feels incredible. He’s a quality player, one of the best in the world and a great player of spin as well,” said Bashir.

Bashir had to fly back to England from Abu Dhabi to get his visa sorted before taking the flight to India. Stokes said he was devastated and even contemplated staying back in Abu Dhabi until the issue was sorted but Bashir stated he was always sure about getting the visa.

“No doubts at all, I always knew I would get the visa. It was a bit of a hassle but we’re here now, I’ve made my debut, and that’s all that matters,” Bashir said.

#England #Pakistan #Rohit Sharma