Shoaib Bashir: England and Somerset spinner’s game has ‘changed massively’

Bashir was selected ahead of Somerset team-mate and fellow spinner Jack Leach for the series against West Indies, although he had to take a loan spell away from his county to Worcestershire this season to earn more County Championship action.

He said Leach, 33, has played a “massive role” in his development this year.

“He teaches me so much. I just watch him bowl sometimes on training days. I’ll just stand on the side and watch,” Bashir said.

“I remember when I was playing for the [Somerset Second XI] and hadn’t signed yet, Leachy was watching me bowl and I remember afterwards he came up to me and told me how much he liked my action.

“After that point I got signed and, me and Leachy, we speak about bowling all the time.”

Bashir has a contract with Somerset until the end of next season and said he is still very much learning in his career.

“I’ve already taken a lot from what I have experienced,” he said.

“As a spin bowler you’re bound to get hit for runs and, as a spin bowler, I’m always going to take wickets, I’m always trying to attack, attack, attack rather than worry about my economy rate for example or how many maidens I’ve bowled.

“I don’t think that should matter as long as you’re taking wickets and contributing to the game and trying to change the game. That makes more of an impact.”