Will Shoaib Bashir participate in remainder of Lord's Test?
What's the story
England's off-spinner, Shoaib Bashir, is being monitored for his fitness after sustaining an injury, which puts his participation in the remainder of the ongoing third Test match against India in question. This uncertainty follows an injury he sustained to his left little finger on Day 3 at Lord's. The injury occurred while bowling to Ravindra Jadeja when a powerful low drive hit him directly on the hand.
Injury impact
Injury looked like a dislocation
The injury, which looked like a dislocation, prompted immediate action from the England camp. Joe Root had to complete the over after Bashir signaled his injury to the home dressing room. Initially, there were hopes that he would be fit enough to bowl in the evening session, but those hopes were dashed as he sat with substitute fielders instead of taking his place on field.
Fitness assessment
Bashir seen bowling ahead of Day 4's play
Ahead of Day 4's play, Bashir was seen bowling on a practice strip with heavy strapping on his fourth and fifth fingers. However, it remains uncertain if he will be fit to bat. An official statement from the England camp said that "Following his left little finger injury, Shoaib Bashir continues to be monitored and is expected to bowl in the fourth innings of this Test."
Performance review
Bashir's wicket-taking ability and England's options
In this series, Bashir has taken nine wickets at an average of 59.44. His latest scalp was KL Rahul on Day 3 at Lord's. If he is not fit to play in Manchester, England can hand a call-up to one of Liam Dawson, Jack Leach and Rehan Ahmed. Brendon McCullum has also confirmed that Jacob Bethell is viewed as a spare batter rather than a possible No. 8 replacement for the injured player.