England's Shoaib Bashir Out of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with Fractured Finger

Shoaib Bashir Excluded from Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Due to Injury

Shoaib Bashir, the promising England off-spinner, will miss the rest of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 series against India after fracturing a finger on his left hand. The injury requires surgery, scheduled for later this week, effectively ending his participation in the series.

Bashir sustained a fracture while attempting a catch off his own bowling. © Getty

The unfortunate incident occurred on Day 3 of the third Test. Bashir sustained the injury while attempting a catch off his own bowling from Ravindra Jadeja in the 78th over of India's first innings. He immediately left the field and was unable to return for the remainder of the innings.

Despite the injury, Bashir showed resilience by batting in England's second innings, scoring two runs off nine deliveries. He was also called upon to bowl late on the fifth day, where he eventually took the final wicket of Mohammad Siraj, securing a thrilling victory for England. Throughout the series, Bashir claimed 10 wickets in three games, averaging 54.1.

Bashir's emergence as a frontline spinner for England has been notable. His performances have often led to him being favored over his Somerset teammate, Jack Leach. It remains to be seen whether Leach will be recalled to the squad in Bashir's absence. Other potential replacements include Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, and Tom Hartley.