Visa problems robbed Shoaib Bashir of a chance to play in the Hyderabad Test, the series opener against India.
The 20-year-old, however, had remained “pretty chilled” during the impasse for which he could not travel to India with his other teammates in time for the first Test.
There were no doubts at all as I always knew I would get the visa.
“Yes, it was a bit of a hassle, but we’re here now. I’ve made my (international) debut and that’s all that matters,” Bashir, who dismissed India captain Rohit Sharma and Axar Patel to finish with 2/100 off 28 overs, said after stumps on Day I of the second Test.
“I was pretty chilled, to be fair. I knew it would get sorted. So, thanks to the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and the BCCI for sorting it out quite quickly.”
Though he began on a decent note, it went on to be a struggle for the off-spinner on his very first day in international cricket as India’s unbeaten centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal spared hardly any inch if Bashir erred in line or length. That said, he preferred to focus on the positives and outof that, the wicket of skipper Rohit certainly made him feel “incredible”.
“It has been a very special day. For all that I’ve been through in the last two to three years, it made it even more special to get Rohit Sharma out. Getting him as my first wicket does make me feel incredible.
“He’s a quality player, one of the best in the world and a great player of spin as well,” Bashir said.