England’s promising young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has been ruled out of the remainder of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 after suffering a broken finger during the gripping third Test against India at Lord’s. England captain Ben Stokes confirmed the unfortunate news after England’s dramatic 22-run win, calling Bashir’s absence “very disappointing” and “a big shame.”
The injury occurred on Day 3 in the 78th over of India’s innings. Bashir bowled a length delivery to Ravindra Jadeja, who stepped down the pitch and hammered the ball straight back. Attempting a low catch to his left, Bashir took a brutal blow to his left pinkie, which was later confirmed to be broken. The 21-year-old is set to undergo surgery later this week and will miss the final two Tests of the series.
Despite the painful setback, Bashir displayed remarkable grit and determination. He padded up and walked out to bat in England’s second innings, facing nine deliveries for a defiant two runs. With England desperate for a win on Day 5, he even returned to the field, heavily strapped, ready to support the bowling attack.
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In a fairytale twist, it was Bashir who delivered the final blow. In the 75th over of India’s chase, he bowled a flighted delivery outside off stump to Mohammed Siraj. The tailender defended, but the ball rolled off the bat onto the leg stump, dislodging the bails and sealing a 22-run victory for England.
Shoaib Bashir has sustained a fractured finger and has been ruled out for the remainder of the Test series against India. pic.twitter.com/ZsMQbtGLMr
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 14, 2025
“It’s not good news for Bash… The courage he showed—going out to bat, field, and bowl despite the injury—shows what it means to wear the England shirt. Not even a couple of breaks could stop him,” said Ben Stokes.
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He also lauded Bashir’s fearless attitude in facing India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, and volunteering to bowl again: “There are many who might not have had the bravery to face Bumrah or put their hand up to bowl in that condition. But Bash did. That shows what kind of character he is.”
Shoaib Bashir’s injury is a blow to England, but his Lord’s heroics have added a new chapter to the folklore of English cricket—a tale of courage, pain, and triumph.
