Key Points

England spinner Shoaib Bashir suffered a finger injury while fielding against Ravindra Jadeja. The team expects him to bowl in the fourth innings despite the setback. Bashir has taken nine wickets in the series so far, including KL Rahul's dismissal. England has backup spin options ready if he's ruled out for the next Test.

Key Points: Shoaib Bashir Expected to Bowl in Lord's Test Despite Finger Injury

  • Bashir injured his left little finger fielding a Jadeja drive
  • England remains hopeful he can bowl in the fourth innings
  • He bowled in practice with heavy strapping before Day 4
  • England has backup spinners like Leach and Ahmed if needed
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Shoaib Bashir expected to bowl in fourth innings of Lord's Test after sustaining finger injury

England spinner Shoaib Bashir may bowl in the fourth innings vs India despite a finger injury sustained while fielding against Ravindra Jadeja.

"Shoaib Bashir continues to be monitored and is expected to bowl in the fourth innings of this Test. – England Cricket Board"

London, July 13

England spinner Shoaib Bashir sustained an injury when bowling to Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who hit a powerful low drive straight back at him after he damaged the little finger on his left hand on the third day of the Lord's Test against India, according to a report from ESPNcricinfo.

In an attempt at a caught-and-bowled chance, Bashir was struck firmly on the hand and immediately signalled up to the home dressing room that he had been injured, sustaining what appeared to be a dislocation. Joe Root completed his over.

England's statement on the fourth morning about Bashir's injury, "Following his left little finger injury, Shoaib Bashir continues to be monitored and is expected to bowl in the fourth innings of this Test. A decision on whether he will bat in the third innings will be made in due course. His involvement in the fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford will be assessed at the end of the match."

At first, the England team was optimistic that Bashir would be able to bowl in the third session, but instead, he remained on the sidelines with their substitute fielders and did not participate. Before the fourth day of play, he bowled on a practice strip while wearing significant wrapping on his fourth and fifth fingers, but it is unclear if he will be able to bat.

Bashir has taken nine wickets at an average of 59.44 in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar series, including the wicket of KL Rahul on the third day at Lord's. If he is not deemed fit to play in Manchester, England's alternative spin options include Liam Dawson, Jack Leach and Rehan Ahmed.

Earlier in the match, at stumps on Day 3 on Saturday, England are 2/0 with Zak Crawley (2) and Ben Duckett (0*) unbeaten on the crease.

England's skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat first. Batting first, the Three Lions scored 387 runs thanks to a century stand between Root (104) and Ollie Pope (44) and a counter-attacking 82-run stand between Brydon Carse and Jamie Smith, who both struck fifties down the order.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya M
England's spin attack looks weak without Bashir. India should capitalize on this opportunity! Our batsmen need to dominate in the next innings. 🇮🇳 #TeamIndia
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Amit K
Why risk playing an injured player? ECB should prioritize player health over match results. This sets a bad example for young cricketers watching.
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Sarah B
As a neutral fan, I just want to see competitive cricket. Hope Bashir recovers enough to give us a good contest in the 4th innings! Test cricket needs all its stars fit.
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Nikhil R
Jadeja's power hitting is underrated! That shot must have been really powerful to cause dislocation. Sir Jadeja showing why he's India's most valuable player across formats. 💪
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Kavya N
England's statement seems contradictory - first says he'll bowl, then says they'll monitor. Proper transparency needed in injury updates. Fans deserve clear information.

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