Shoaib Bashir Reflects on Significant Development in His Game

England and Somerset’s spinner, Shoaib Bashir, has stated that his playing style has “changed massively” since his Test match debut earlier this year. Bashir, who celebrated his 21st birthday last month, has since participated in 12 Test matches, securing 41 wickets. In July, he became the youngest England player to achieve a five-wicket haul in a home match, surpassing James Anderson, when he guided the team to victory in the second Test against West Indies at Trent Bridge. Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset, Bashir remarked, “I think cricket-wise my game has changed massively, my mind has opened a lot to how different players play.” He further elaborated, “Playing in England is a lot different to playing in India or Pakistan for example, but I’ve developed variations. I’ve known more about myself as a character, about how resilient I need to be and how much confidence I need to have going into games.” This month, Bashir was honored as England’s Young Player of the Year at the 2024 Cricket Writers’ Club awards, an accolade established in 1950, which he described as a “great honour.” Bashir added, “It’s a reward for the hard work you put in behind the scenes.” Bashir was chosen for the series against West Indies over his Somerset teammate and fellow spinner, Jack Leach. To gain more County Championship experience this season, Bashir undertook a loan spell from his county to Worcestershire. He credited Leach, 33, with playing a “massive role” in his progress this year. Bashir shared, “He teaches me so much. I just watch him bowl sometimes on training days. I’ll just stand on the side and watch.” He recalled, “I remember when I was playing for the [Somerset Second XI] and hadn’t signed yet, Leachy was watching me bowl and I remember afterwards he came up to me and told me how much he liked my action. After that point I got signed and, me and Leachy, we speak about bowling all the time.” Under contract with Somerset until the conclusion of next season, Bashir acknowledged that he is still in a significant learning phase of his career. He stated, “I’ve already taken a lot from what I have experienced.” Bashir articulated his bowling philosophy: “As a spin bowler you’re bound to get hit for runs and, as a spin bowler, I’m always going to take wickets, I’m always trying to attack, attack, attack rather than worry about my economy rate for example or how many maidens I’ve bowled. I don’t think that should matter as long as you’re taking wickets and contributing to the game and trying to change the game. That makes more of an impact.”