Shoaib Bashir Ruled Out! 3 Spinners England Can Add To Squad To Replace Injured Star vs India

Bashir and Leach - (Source: @EnglandCricket/X.com)

On Monday, July 14, 1.3 billion Indians suffered heartbreak after India lost the Lord's Test by just 22 runs. Chasing a 193-run target, the Shubman Gill-led side were down and out as they were reduced to 82/7. However, Ravindra Jadeja stitched key partnerships with the tail and 2nearly snatched the win out of the jaws of defeat, before Shoaib Bashir castled Siraj. 

The Three Lions erupted in a massive celebration as Bashir put the final nail in the coffin. While the England spinner hogged the internet, the right-arm bowler has been ruled out of the remainder of the series because of the injury he suffered in the first innings of the match. 

Notably, England have been releasing their squad for every match, which has been the pattern so far, and Bashir was the sole proper spinner in the England squad. Thus, this article will look at the three replacement options for Bashir. 

1. Jack Leach 

England have Jack Leach in mind. The 34-year-old has been an active part of the team, but his last national appearance was in 2024 against Pakistan. 

Leach had a great series against Pakistan where he took 16 wickets in six innings, yet he was ousted from the team. Nonetheless, the 34-year-old featured in County cricket and is having a season to remember.

Talking about domestic cricket, Leach has already taken 32 wickets, which includes a six-wicket haul recently against Northamptonshire. Let's look at his detailed stats in County championship.

2. Rehan Ahmed

England can also opt for a leg-spinner, and Rehan Ahmed is a fine option. The right-arm leg-spinner has featured for the Three Lions in five Tests, and the 20-year-old also played his last Test against Pakistan in 2024. 

The youngster has seven wickets in 10 innings in the County season, but England are backing the right-arm spinner as he was part of the England Lions squad for India A Tests and took three wickets in two innings. Now, the 20-year-old is a great option to have for the last two Tests. 

3. Tom Hartley

England can also look for a left-arm off-spinner, and Tom Hartley is one contender. The left-arm spinner last featured for England in March 2024 against India.

Hartley has played 5 Tests for the Three Lions and has taken 14 wickets in just seven innings in the ongoing County Division. 

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