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In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Shoaib Bashir, the young England spinner, left a lasting mark on the cricketing world with his stellar performance against India in the fourth Test at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.
A spectacular bowling display
During India’s first innings, Bashir exhibited exceptional bowling prowess, wreaking havoc on the home team’s batting lineup. His precision and control were evident as he dismantled the Indian batting order with finesse.
A brilliant five-wicket haul
Bashir’s remarkable spell saw him clinch a sensational five-wicket haul, a testament to his mastery of spin bowling. His bowling figures of 5 for 119 in 44 overs were a highlight of the match, underscoring his crucial role in England’s performance.
On Day 2, the off-spinner claimed four wickets and added Akash Deep‘s dismissal the following morning to achieve his first-ever Test five-wicket haul. Bashir swiftly removed Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Yashasvi Jaiswal in succession before wrapping up with Akash’s wicket as his final scalp of the innings. He bowled 44 overs, conceding 119 runs, marking the highest number of overs bowled by an England bowler in this innings.
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Surpassing legends
In achieving this milestone, Bashir etched his name in the annals of cricketing history. By taking a fifer at the age of 20 years and 135 days, the right-arm spinner surpassed the legendary Pakistani bowler Wasim Akram, who achieved the same feat at the age of 20 years and 253 days.
A special record
Bashir’s achievement also marked him as the second-youngest bowler ever to secure a five-wicket haul against India in Test cricket. This places him in esteemed company, with only Paul Adams achieving this feat at a younger age in 1996.
Youngest bowler to pick Test fifer against India
- 19y 323 days – Paul Adams (1996)
- 20y 135 days – Shoaib Bashir (2024)*
- 20y 253 days – Wasim Akram (1987)
- 20y 268 days – Daniel Vettori (1999)
