Former England captain Michael Vaughan holds the view that Shoaib Bashir's recent impressive performance in the India Test series merits the label of the 'next superstar of English cricket'. Vaughan hailed the youngster as the next Ravichandran Ashwin.
In only his second Test match, 20-year-old Bashir received widespread acclaim for his significant contribution to England's bowling effort in the fourth Test in Ranchi. Having impressed England selectors and skipper Ben Stokes with his form in county cricket, the talented right-arm spinner earned a spot in the national side at the age of 20.
In addition to the youngster's bowling skills, Vaughan feels that the energy Bashir has displayed is something England cricket should applaud despite their disappointing outcomes.
He's the new Ravi Ashwin: Vaughan
"It's been a fantastic week for English cricket. One of the great weeks, celebrating another world-class superstar that we've unearthed, Shoaib Bashir. That's what we're celebrating. Second Test match, eight wickets, he's the new Ravi Ashwin, and we've unearthed him. So, we're celebrating a new superstar in English cricket," Vaughan told Club Prairie Fire's YouTube channel.
Bashir's stunning performance vs India
After receiving his maiden England cap, Bashir made a strong debut by claiming four wickets in total during both innings of the Vizag Test. Despite being omitted from the Rajkot Test, Bashir made a remarkable comeback in the fourth Test in Ranchi, where he delivered outstanding figures of 5/119 and 3/79.
His bowling performance was one of the standout features of an enthralling Test match between the two teams.
India have taken an unassailable 3-1 lead vs England
However, despite his contributions, India ultimately triumphed, securing a 3-1 lead in the five-match series, with one Test yet to be played.
As for the forthcoming and eagerly anticipated Dharamsala Test between India and England, Vaughan anticipates a fiercely contested match despite India already securing an insurmountable lead.
"I think it's going to be a fresh one in Dharamsala, so I expect England to win. They've been the better team in the series, as they were in the Ashes. If you go session by session, England have looked a better team. I'm saying looked a better team, but we don't play series now to win them," Vaughan added.
The two teams are set to face each other in the final Test in Dharamsala starting from February 7. India have included Jasprit Bumrah in the squad for the final Test of the series.
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