Young England off-spinner Shoaib Bashir shared an unexpected tale of missing a crucial call from a New Zealand number days earlier, dismissing it as potentially random. His inclusion in the 16-member Test squad for the India tour was a surprise to everyone, including Bashir himself.
With only six first-class matches under his belt, Bashir was astonished to discover that the missed call was from Test coach Brendon McCullum, who was calling to notify him about his selection. Initially ignoring the call, Bashir only responded when McCullum messaged him on WhatsApp.
"I was like ‘Who is this? It could be anyone random," Bashir shared with The Telegraph.
It was only when McCullum messaged him that the realisation struck him.
"I didn’t think it was someone winding me up, and I didn’t think much of it until it hit me. Then I was like, ‘Wow, it’s Baz'. Honestly, I can’t put it into words now, and it’s been two or three days. It’s just so special. I’m delighted to have an opportunity – it is crazy, crazy news," he expressed.
England are scheduled to play five Tests in India as part of their ICC World Test Championships cycle, commencing on January 25 in Hyderabad. Bashir, armed with an array of bowling tricks, is gearing up for the challenging subcontinent tour. His six-foot-four-inch frame and adeptness at generating bounce and control will be key for England.
"I've got an off-spinner, the undercutter, a side-spinner and an arm ball. And I am working on a Carrom ball, too. So, I've got a few, and I think they would work quite nicely in India."
Having made his debut for Somerset in June, the 20-year-old has garnered 10 wickets in his short first-class career. He was part of the England Lions' squad for the UAE tour, where he had the opportunity to interact with coaches and former players Graeme Swann and Andrew Flintoff.
"Legends. Such good lads. You look at them and you're reminiscing on these old thoughts of them taking poles, whacking the ball. It's just unbelievable. To be working with them now is incredible," Bashir remarked, reflecting on the experience of spending time with Swann and Flintoff during the England Lions’ tour to the UAE.