Somerset’s spinner Shoaib Bashir claimed his maiden first class five wicket haul in some style when in only his second match for England he took five for 119 from his 44 overs in India’s first innings in the fourth test match in the five match series .
The tall 20-year-old followed this up with three for 79 from 26 overs in the second innings, to give his match figures of 8 for 198.
The rookie spinner, who was spotted playing for Berkshire in an Under 18s fixture against Somerset by the club’s head of talent pathway Matt Drakeley who grew up playing his cricket for Minehead, has enjoyed a quite remarkable rise to the top.
Last season ‘Bash’ played in six first class matches for Somerset but did enough in those games to impress the England selectors, whose gamble has more than paid off.
And while England eventually lost the fourth match and the series, Bash has grabbed his opportunity with both hands and can hold his head high.
The whole of West Somerset and indeed right across Somerset and the west country cricket fans can feel proud that their local club has produced another top class performer.