Somerset’s Shoaib Bashir: Potential Loan Move to Enhance Development
Somerset’s head coach, Jason Kerr, has responded to Brendon McCullum’s call for increased game time for England’s young spinners, suggesting that Shoaib Bashir could be permitted to go out on loan.
Although playing two spinners is doubtful, Jason Kerr is open to assisting Bashir in furthering his growth.
Despite having little experience in the county game, Bashir and Tom Hartley have flourished in India, and McCullum stated earlier this week that it would be “slightly mad” if they did not have more opportunities in the upcoming season.
Although McCullum expressed his desire to see Bashir and Jack Leach bowl simultaneously at Somerset, Jason Kerr stated that such a scenario was improbable for the opening of the County Championship given the springtime weather, which often favor seam bowling.
Kerr told the Press Association, “It’s certainly not easy, but I always try and put myself in the player’s shoes and what they want is to play cricket.” “It would surprise me if too many teams are playing two specialist spinners when the season begins on April 5. I am aware that there will be inquiries on it.
“Bash is going to be riding that cloud nine right now. At the beginning of winter, his perspective on the world would have been considerably different from what it is now that he has had the opportunity to travel and succeed abroad. Thus, it’s critical to have frank and open discussions.”
After making an impression for the 2nd XI and playing six times in the Championship, where he took ten wickets at a rate of 67.00, Bashir was only signed by Somerset at the beginning of the previous summer. Since then, he has surpassed that total in two Test matches for England, but Leach, the team’s senior spinner, who suffered a knee injury on the way back from the tour of India, is expected to push him back down the ladder.
“There’s still a lot of water to go under the bridge, but what I’m not going to do is stand in the way of anyone’s opportunity,” Kerr stated.
“We have a consistent track record of acting in the player’s best interests. We’ve turned down players because they’re next in line and we could need them, but we’ve also allowed guys to go on loan and play cricket because it can help them and us in the future.
“We will look at each case as it arises but, historically, we’ve been open to it.”
A similar circumstance occurred at Somerset a few years prior when Dom Bess came on to temporarily take Leach’s place as the England spinner. In 2021, Bess moved permanently to Yorkshire after going on loan.
Leach is still recuperating from knee surgery, so Bashir might have an opportunity to make an impression at the beginning of the county season. However, Kerr said that once fit, Leach will be first in line for his plans.
“It’s important we see both of the guys bowling first but we also look at what Leachy has done for club and country over the years,” he stated. “Healthy competition for positions is something we always desire. While everyone has the right to begin, I think that Jack’s extensive expertise is a big plus.
“Bash has an abundance of time to develop into a top-tier spinner who can bowl on any surface and know when to attack and defend.” After his return from India, he will find the UK to be drastically transformed.
“As a very aspirational club, we hope to motivate players to play for England. Whether it’s Jack or Shoaib, our goal is to support individuals in realizing their dreams.”
