Barely six first-class matches into his career, Bashir never would have dreamed that the number belonged to former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and that the England red-ball coach was phoning to share some great news with him.
“I was like ‘Who is this? It could be anyone random’,” Bashir told ‘The Telegraph’.
Everyone, including the off-spinner himself, was taken aback when Bashir was named in the 16-person Test squad for the India tour on Monday.
Bashir did not reply until McCullum contacted him via WhatsApp.
“I didn’t think it was someone winding me up, and I didn’t think much of it until it hit me. Then I was like, ‘Wow, it’s Baz’.
“Honestly, I can’t put it into words now, and it’s been two or three days. It’s just so special. I’m delighted to have an opportunity – it is crazy, crazy news,” he said.
As part of their ICC World Test Championships cycle, England will play five Tests in India, beginning on January 25 in Hyderabad.
Anticipating a tough journey to the subcontinent, Bashir is prepared with a plethora of cunning techniques. Aside from that, England will rely on his large hands and six foot four inch height to help him produce bounce and bowl with control.
“I’ve got the off-spinner, the undercutter, a side-spinner and an arm ball. And I am working on a Carrom ball, too. So, I’ve got a few, and I think they would work quite nicely in India.”
In his brief first-class career, the 20-year-old has claimed 10 wickets for Somerset since making his professional debut in June.
He had the opportunity to spend time with coaches and former players Andrew Flintoff and Graeme Swann while he was with the England Lions in the United Arab Emirates.
“Legends. Such good lads. You look at them and you’re reminiscing on these old thoughts of them taking poles, whacking the ball. It’s just unbelievable. To be working with them now is incredible,” Bashir said.
(With PTI inputs)
