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England's young spinner Shoaib Bashir has given a positive update on his recovery ahead of all-important Ashes series against Australia, slated to get underway from November. Bashir, who suffered injury during Anderson-Tendulkar series, has expressed confidence that he will be fit and ready for the first Ashes Test in November. This comes as a huge relief for him and the team, as an injury to his little finger has been a major concern. The injury occurred during Lord's Test against India in Anderson-Tendulkar series when he attempted a catch off his own bowling. The incident required an hour-long operation to insert a screw into the broken digit.
I should be good for the start of the Ashes: Shoaib Bashir on Ashes prospects
Although he is currently unsure of his exact return date and has been seen with his ring and little fingers in a splint, Bashir is already planning for England's upcoming Ashes campaign in Perth. He is confident that he will be back in action in time to help England reclaim the urn, and is even developing strategies to counter Australia's batters.
“I’m thankful it was my non-bowling hand because otherwise things might look a bit different. These things happen in cricket and they’re part of the journey. I had a screw put in my finger just to hold the bone together. Nothing too over the top. I can’t play cricket for a bit of time but I’m slowly getting back in the gym now, which is good," Bashir told the PA news agency.
“(There is) not a specific (return) date – we’ll see where we’re at in a few weeks. Hopefully pretty soon. I should be good (for the start of the Ashes). It’s always in the back of your head – it’s the one series everyone talks about. It will be an exciting series for sure. I’ve been talking to a few people about my plans but I’m not leaking anything here,” he added.
Despite sustaining a serious finger injury, Shoaib Bashir displayed remarkable resilience during England's second innings, where he batted and later bowled on the fifth day. In a final, decisive act of the Test summer, he took the crucial wicket of Mohammed Siraj, securing a narrow victory for his team. His performance in the face of injury underscored his value to the squad.
The injury opened the door for Liam Dawson to play in the fourth Test, but Dawson failed to make a strong case for himself and was subsequently dropped for the final match. However, Bashir insists he is not concerned about others competing for his position.
"I don't like to see things that way. I believe whatever is written for you is written for you. My religion teaches me that. I just love playing the game and playing for England. The ultimate goal is to keep trying to win games for England whenever I’m given the opportunity,” he concluded.
Ashes 2025-2026's full schedule:
First Test, Optus Stadium in Perth: 21-25 November
Second Test, Gabba in Brisbane: 4-8 December
Third Test, Adelaide Oval in Adelaide: 17-21 December
Fourth Test, MCG in Melbourne: 26-30 December
Fifth Test, SCG in Sydney: 4-8 January
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