How Shoaib Bashir Went From England’s No. 1 Spinner to an Unexpected Afterthought

You can lose yourself trying to make sense of the Shoaib Bashir situation. Only a year ago, England were bold enough to hand him Test caps purely on potential, backing his height, overspin, and raw attributes. 

Ahead of a crucial third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, a venue known for offering something to the spinners, England have chosen to sideline the very bowler they’ve been grooming for this assignment. With England trailing 2-0, Bashir might only feature again when the Ashes are mathematically out of reach. It’s a dramatic call, but one that has grown increasingly predictable during England’s time in Australia.

Early warning signs appeared when he struggled in the warm-up games. In the warm-up match at Lilac Hill, where he bowled to both England and the Lions, he finished with figures of 2 for 151. His second game was against Australia A, at the Allan Border Field, and he recorded 0 for 115. Meanwhile, Will Jacks was making the most of his opportunities with the Gabba Test and appeared sharper in training.

Even Nathan Lyon, speaking ahead of team announcements, expressed surprise at the idea that England might not play their lead spinner. The irony is not lost: Lyon, re-entering Australia’s XI, watches the spinner often compared to him being pushed aside. Their similarities end at height, and overspin Lyon is a master of his craft; Bashir is still trying to find his way.

1. The Rise That Promised So Much

Bashir’s selection for the India tour in 2024 was initially a gamble that paid off handsomely. Dropped into the most demanding environment for a spinner, he impressed teammates with his calmness, ambition, and personality. His 17 wickets at 33.35 were viewed as a foundation for a long future.

His most convincing performance came later against the West Indies. Preferred at the start of the summer over Jack Leach, Stokes’ first No.1, Bashir delivered a defining five-wicket haul at Trent Bridge, taking 5 for 41. His skillset was on display: drift, flight, and genuine threat.

His other two five-wicket hauls against India owed more to volume of overs than brilliance, and the 6 for 81 at the start of this recent summer came against a Zimbabwe side that lacked resistance. Somewhere along the way, his progress stalled, though never because of a lack of dedication.

A moment that captured his determination came earlier this year when, after fracturing his left hand during the Lord’s Test against India, he returned to bowl on the final day. After fulfilling his fielding requirements, he took the last wicket, Mohammed Siraj, bowled as the ball spun back onto the stumps. 

2. A Talent Without a Home

On top of his Test frustrations, he is currently without a county after Somerset chose not to extend his contract. What was supposed to be a career-defining Ashes tour has instead become a test of resilience.

Career statistics highlight how unusual his career trajectory has been. Out of his 87 first-class wickets, 69 were taken in Tests. When we omit these figures, his first-class average rises to an extremely high 89.57 across his county appearances in Somerset, Worcestershire, Glamorgan, and England Lions.

His development has been heavily dependent on England’s ecosystem, and by extension, on the ECB’s commitment to him. Even if England decides not to extend his current central contract, the responsibility for his growth will remain largely with them.

3. England’s Recalibration & Bashir’s Uncertain Tomorrow

Ben Stokes hinted that Will Jacks earned selection on merit rather than being chosen simply for his batting strength.

"I think when he got into his rhythm with the ball as well, he looked good," Stokes said. "We're 2-0 down, and we're trying to give ourselves the best chance with bat and ball."

After nearly two years of preparation aimed at this Ashes series, in this specific Test at Adelaide, he finds himself watching from the sidelines.