Former England captain Nasser Hussain has identified young spinner Shoaib Bashir as a bright prospect for English cricket. In a column for the Daily Mail, Hussain lauded Bashir’s potential and suggested a surprising mentor to help him reach his full potential – India’s Ravichandran Ashwin.
Shoaib Bashir impresses Nasser Hussain
Nasser Hussain believes Shoaib Bashir, out of England’s three young spinners this winter, has displayed the most control – a crucial attribute for success in English conditions.
He also highlighted Bashir’s competitive spirit and fighting mentality, qualities reminiscent of India’s spin wizard, Ashwin. While some criticized Bashir’s on-field aggression, Hussain saw it as a positive sign of his passion for the game.
Learning on the Biggest Stage: India vs England
Hussain acknowledged the immense pressure young spinners like Bashir and Tom Hartley face, especially when compared to established performers like India’s Ashwin, Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav. He commended both youngsters for their resilience and perseverance.
Ravichandran Ashwin as Shoaib Bashir Mentor?
Hussain’s most intriguing suggestion came when he proposed Ashwin as the ideal mentor for Bashir. He acknowledged the legendary Shane Warne, but believes Ashwin, a “great student of the craft,” could offer invaluable insights for a budding off-spinner like Bashir.
Bashir Shows Signs of Learning
Hussain pointed to a specific instance where Bashir initially struggled with his pace after being punished by the Indian batsmen. However, he displayed adaptability by adjusting his flight after lunch, leading to the wicket of Sarfaraz Khan. This learning curve, according to Hussain, highlights Bashir’s potential for further improvement.
A Conversation with R Ashwin: The Key to Unlocking Potential?
Nasser Hussain concluded by urging Shoaib Bashir to seek guidance from Ravichandran Ashwin after the series. He believes Ashwin’s vast experience and knowledge of spin bowling would be an invaluable asset for the young English spinner.
Bashir’s development will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. Will a chat with Ashwin truly be the key to unlocking his full potential? Only time will tell.
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