England spinner Shoaib Bashir did his country footballer Cole Palmer's 'cold' celebration after dismissing Alick Athanaze on Day 4 of the 2nd Test against West Indies at Trent Bridge on Sunday, July 21.
Shoaib Bashir was the star performer for England in the second innings as he picked five wickets while conceding just 41 runs with an economy rate of 3.70 in 11.1 overs as the hosts defeated the touring Caribbean side by 241 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 series lead with a match to spare.
Chasing a 385-run target after dismissing England for 425, West Indies were rattled by hosts' bowling attack as they were bundled out for 143 in 36.1 overs. Shoaib Bashir left West Indies in a reeling position after dismissing Alick Athanaze at 82/5.
The dismissal took place in the 19th over of the West Indies run-chase when Athanaze attempted to defend the ball off Bashir. However, the ball took a sharp and edged Alick Athanaze's bat before getting through to Joe Root, who was standing at slip. Shoaib Bashir was happy to get his second wicket of the innings and celebrated by rubbing both his arms simultaneously in Cole Palmer style.
The video of the same was shared by England Cricket on its X handle.
Shoaib Bashir picked his first wicket of Kirk McKenzie before dismissing Kavem Hodge Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph to complete his third five-wicket haul in Tests. His figures 5/41 are the best bowling figures of Shoaib Bashir in a Test innings.
In the first innings, Bashir picked two wickets of Mikyle Louis and Krik McKenzie to register the figures of 2/108 in 25 overs.
Ben Stokes lauds Shoaib Bashir's bowling
England skipper Ben Stokes lauded Shoaib Bashir's bowling, especially in the second innings. He said that the pitch at Trent Bridge doesn't suit for spinner but Bashir's variations and pace made a significant impact.
"The comeback after West Indies' opening partnership was quite remarkable and Bash (Shoaib Bashir) showed the world what he is about." Stokes said at the post-match presentation.
"On a wicket that has not necessarily offered a lot for the spinners in the game, the ability he had to change his pace, change his line, manipulate how he wanted the ball to react out of the surface, was top class," he added.
