England have received a timely boost ahead of Day 5 of the Lord’s Test, with batting coach Marcus Trescothick confirming that Shoaib Bashir is fit and available to bowl.
The 21-year-old off-spinner had injured his hand during Day 3 while attempting a challenging catch that could have dismissed Ravindra Jadeja at a pivotal moment in India’s first innings. Bashir left the field for treatment, with Joe Root finishing the over, and did not return to bowl for the rest of the day. However, he showed signs of recovery by coming out to bat on Day 4, facing nine balls and scoring two runs.
Earlier on Day 4, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had announced that Bashir was fit to bat and would bowl if required. Trescothick later provided further clarity on his condition.
“He’s fine to bowl, and available when needed,” Trescothick told reporters after the fourth day’s play. “Since it’s an external injury, the rules allow him to bowl whenever necessary and then leave the field again if he’s not bowling. Should we need him on the final day, he’s ready.”
England will be counting on Bashir’s off-spin as they look to pick up the remaining six Indian wickets on the final day. Washington Sundar turned the tide for India with a four-wicket haul in England’s second innings, exposing the lower order and tightening the contest.
With India needing just 135 runs to claim a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, and England relying on spin against three upcoming left-handers, Bashir’s return could be deciding factor.