Spinner Shoaib Bashir reckons that the visa delay made his England debut on Day 1 of the ongoing second Test against India in Visakhapatnam even more special.

Bashir found himself in the spotlight due to a visa delay even before arriving in India for the five-Test match series. The 20-year-old, with Pakistani heritage, had to return to the UK instead of joining the rest of the England team in Abu Dhabi to get his visa stamped.

Although he missed out on playing in the first Test in Hyderabad, Bashir was present in the dressing room at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium to witness Ben Stokes and the team’s victory over the hosts by 28 runs. Despite the delay, Bashir admitted on Tuesday, after finally making his Test debut for England, that he never doubted he would make it to India.

“I always thought I would be here. I knew the BCCI and ECB were working hard. I had no doubts. We’re here now. I’ve made my debut and that’s what matters. It definitely makes it more memorable,” Bashir told the reporters.

Shoaib Bashir made a memorable debut for the England Test team by claiming two wickets on Friday. Bashir’s maiden Test wicket was none other than Rohit Sharma. It only took the 20-year-old spinner 21 deliveries into his international career to dismiss the Indian captain with a skilful off-break delivery.

“Getting Rohit Sharma out first up is very special. He’s a very good player of spin. I just let it all out. It’s the passion. I love playing cricket, it’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I could have been in uni[versity] instead.

“For us to pick up six wickets has been very good. We’ll go again. We’ll take things one session at a time. Hopefully get a few breakthroughs.”

Bashir was presented with his Test cap by his Somerset teammate Jack Leach, stepping into the playing XI to replace the left-arm spinner after Leach sustained an injury during England’s victory in Hyderabad.

When asked about the conversation with skipper Ben Stokes before heading onto the field on Friday, Bashir said: ‘Remember why you started playing the game, remember your family, go out there and show what you’ve got. We already know, we’ve already seen you, so go out and do what you do best.’ Those words helped me massively with my confidence.”

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