Who is England debutant Shoaib Bashir?
From Berkshire Under-18s to a Test cap, we run through the 20-year-old's remarkable rise

Shoaib Bashir was named in England's XI for the second Test • Getty Images
So England have picked another rookie spinner?
Yes, after their success in Hyderabad with the debutant Tom Hartley and Rehan Ahmed, in his second appearance, England have picked offspinner Bashir as a direct replacement for Jack Leach - their most-experienced spinner on tour, who was ruled out through injury.Where has Bashir sprung from?
Bashir was on few people's radar when England named him in their 16 for India back in December, ahead of the leading spinner in last year's County Championship, Liam Dawson. He has only played six first-class games, having signed for Somerset ahead of the 2023 season, and his current record is an unspectacular 10 wickets at 67.00. However, he impressed on a Lions training camp in the UAE, taking six wickets against Afghanistan A in front of Brendon McCullum and Rob Key.He's not come the usual route then?
To say the least. Bashir was part of Surrey's pathway from Under-9s to Under-17s before being released, leading him to fear that a professional career may not materialise. But he subsequently caught the attention of Somerset playing for Berkshire Under-18s before impressing on trial and being given a contract.What attributes does he possess?
That growth spurt - Bashir is 6ft 4in - is one of the principle reasons he caught England's attention. Stokes spotted his potential via clips on social media after bowling to Alastair Cook on first-class debut, which he forwarded to Key and McCullum on WhatsApp.Shoaib Bashir vows to stay humble after breakthrough winter as he bides his time at Somerset
Anderson's recall comes with a point to prove - even at 41
Can shell-shocked India even the odds vs Bazball?
Shoaib Bashir to debut, James Anderson recalled for second Test against India
Shoaib Bashir receives India visa, will join Test squad over weekend
Sounds like he's had a dream few weeks…
Well, yes, apart from the issues with his Indian visa that meant he only arrived in Hyderabad on day four of the first Test. Although born in Surrey, Bashir's parents are of Pakistani heritage and a lengthy delay saw him return to the UK following England's pre-series camp in the UAE to get final approval for his entry to India a week after the rest of the squad.Should India be wary?
It is an enormous step up for Bashir, but England will hope he can have a similar impact to Hartley - another 6ft 4in fingerspinner - after the Lancastrian recovered from being worked over in the first innings to claim a match-winning seven-wicket haul in the second. Hartley became the third England spinner in the last 14 months to take a five-for on debut under Stokes, after Rehan and Will Jacks did so in Pakistan, and the captain's sensitive handling could be key to how quickly Bashir settles in Test whites.Alan Gardner is a deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo. @alanroderick