It was quite special for me to get Rohit Sharma for my first wicket: Shoaib Bashir

In a recent development, England’s 20-year-old off-spinner Shoaib Bashir made a spectacular debut in Visakhapatnam, avenging the mighty Rohit Sharma’s arrival in Test cricket.

Despite a turbulent trip to India because of difficulties in obtaining a visa, Bashir expressed his emotions with excitement, saying he would have laughed two years ago if someone had foreseen this. It was an exceptionally momentous moment for him to receive his Test cap, and it was made much more significant by dismissing Rohit Sharma for his first wicket—especially in light of Sharma’s skill against spin.

“I would have laughed if you had told me that two years ago. Receiving my Test cap was an extremely wonderful event, and getting Rohit Sharma for my first wicket was an even more memorable experience, Bashir told talk SPORT.

On the first day of play, Shoaib Bashir made his debut by bowling 28 overs and taking two wickets for a hundred runs. As he considered this noteworthy accomplishment, he gave thanks to God and his family, highlighting their unwavering support over the highs and lows of his path.

“I just have so much gratitude for my family and God. They have stood by me in good times and bad. I simply want to thank them too, because I had a lot of ups and downs along the way,” he continued.

The drama surrounding Bashir’s visa, which resulted in his arrival in India on the fourth day of the first Test in Hyderabad, gave his debut an unusual spin. He added that he always thought he would receive the visa and kept a good attitude in spite of the obstacles.

“I’ve always known that I’d receive the visa. I did run into a few issues with it, but hey, look at us now; I got to make my debut, and today is really amazing. Yes, it does make it more memorable. I had some difficulties with it, but it’s amazing that I’m in India today and getting to play my first Test,” he continued.

The off-spinner acknowledged the challenge of the pitch and praised his teammates for their perseverance. It was difficult to bowl on since there wasn’t much to offer, but he praised the team’s strategy and said it was fantastic to take six wickets on the first day. With an eye on the second day, Shoaib Bashir says he hopes England can break through and get into the bat.

“Bowling on that pitch was difficult. Although it didn’t provide much, I thought the players’ approach was fantastic, as it allowed us to secure six wickets. We’ll try again tomorrow, hopefully make some progress, and start batting,” he continued.

He was the one who witnessed me arriving on the scene while I was representing Somerset 2s. Shoaib Bashir

Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum told Shoaib Bashir he was playing in the game during Thursday’s practice. His Somerset colleague Jack Leach gave him his Test cap on match morning. Shoaib Bashir acknowledged their intimacy and acknowledged Leach’s contribution to his identification during the Somerset 2s. He added a special touch to the cap gift by mentioning Leach’s pride in his voyage.

“He spoke in a kind manner. He and I get along great. He was the one who first noticed me when I was playing for Somerset 2s, and we are really close. He was merely expressing how pleased everyone is with me, my family, and my adventure. Receiving that from him was also just so special,” he said.