Adil Rashid has backed fellow England spin bowler Shoaib Bashir to respond positively to his Ashes disappointment as he begins the next phase of his career with Derbyshire, urging him to keep working on his craft.
Bashir had been England’s first choice slow bowler in Test cricket since 2024 but missed the second half of last year’s home series against India after fracturing a finger. The 22 year old was selected in the Ashes squad but did not feature in Australia, with off spinning all rounder Will Jacks playing four Tests during the heavy 4-1 defeat.
Released by Somerset, Bashir has since joined Derbyshire on a two year deal and will be aiming to push back into England contention ahead of the home Test series against New Zealand in June.
Rashid, England’s leading white ball spinner and part of the squad preparing for the T20 World Cup from February 7, live on Sky Sports, said Bashir’s experience was not unusual.
“That happens in Test cricket.
“You go overseas and you’re not picked for a game. Other players have gone away and not played a game, so he’s in that same boat where he didn’t get an opportunity.
“I’m sure he’ll go back and keep working hard and be ready for the next one.”
