‘If we feel we want to turn to him…..’ – Ben Stokes opens up on chances of Shoaib Bashir making Test debut in India

The England cricket team is all set to lock horns against India on February 2 for the second Test game out of the five matches in the Test series. Notably, the visiting side got a magnificent win in the first Test, and they will be looking to win the second Test match to take the lead of 2-0. However, the skipper Ben Stokes has recently hinted that the young spinner, Shoaib Bashir, should get the chance in the second Test game. The young bowler wasn’t part of the first Test after a delay in his visa.

The great all-rounder recently confirmed that Jack Leach is ruled out of the second Test game owing to a leg injury. In addition, the 32-year-old cricketer feels it’s a shameful matter.

“He’s ruled out of the second Test. Unfortunately, the knock he took resulted in a hematoma in his leg. It’s a big shame for us, a big shame for Jack, obviously after a long time out of the game with his back,” Ben Stokes said, speaking of Leach’s injury.

If we feel we want to turn to Shoaib Bashir, we will: Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes was also excited about Shoaib Bashir getting the chance for a second Test, to which he came up with some philosophical answers. Furthermore, the left-handed batter believes that he is meant to give the young bowler the chance, and that is why he has been brought to the England camp. Furthermore, the left-handed batter clarified that they had brought him not just to have experience but to turn things around against India.

“If he was to play on this tour, then the great thing he has on his side is, what is there to lose? That is how I will be thinking about it, if he gets the chance to play: just to make sure I can give him the best experience that I possibly can. Because you only play your first Test match once. If he does play, then I will be trying to make it as enjoyable and fun for him as I can. Bash is in the squad, we haven’t brought him here to have an experience. If we feel we want to turn to him, we will,” he added further.