'We didn't even ask if we wanted him to bat...': Ben Stokes breaks silence on Shoaib Bashir's injury setback during third Test against India

England captain Ben Stokes reckons that their premier spinner Shoaib Bashir picking up the final wicket during the third Test match against India at Lord's Stadium in London was written in the stars. Bashir, who picked up KL Rahul's wicket in the first innings, ended India's innings picking Mohammed Siraj's wicket on the final day of the third Test when the visitors needed 22 runs to win the clash. 

The premier spinner has been ruled out of the remainder of the two Tests of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 after getting injury during Day 3 of the last Test. He injured his left hand by Ravindra Jadeja's low-driven shot while attempting for a caught-and-bowled chance. He immediately signalled to the dressing room and went off the field to receive treatment. After England's win, Sky Sports reported that Bashir is set to undergo surgery later this week.

ALSO READ: Ben Stokes reveals Jofra Archer thought Sourav Ganguly waved his jersey at Lord's balcony after winning World Cup, calls pacer 'absolute beauty'

Despite getting an injury on his non-bowling hand, Bashir came out to bat in the final session on Day four and scored seven runs with Jofra Archer for the last wicket that helped England to 192. 

ALSO READ: 5-wicket haul in just 15 deliveries! Mitchell Starc becomes first bowler in 148-year Test history to achieve this feat

"We didn't even ask if we wanted him to bat. He got his pads on and got his hands strapped with extra padding. He put on some crucial runs for us. That could have been the difference. It was written in the stars that it was the one to come and take it," Stokes said in a video posted by the ECB.

During the post-match press conference, Stokes emphasised the impact of the 21-year-old's absence on the team and hailed him for his brave act on the field and told reporters, "It's not good news for Bash. Very disappointing for us as a team and for him, a big shame. I think the courage that he showed to go out there and bat at the end for us."

"Willing to sit there on the bench waiting for his moment to come on and bowl just proves how much it means to everyone who gets the opportunity to put the shirt on, that not even a couple of breaks is going to stop anyone getting out there," he added.

England are currently leading 2-1 in the five-Test match series of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 after defeating India by 22 runs in the third Test. The fourth Test of the ongoing series will take place from 23-27 July at Old Trafford Cricket Ground.