
England’s match-winner from the spectacular third Test victory over India has been ruled out for the rest of the series.
Spin bowler Shoaib Bashir, who took the final wicket in the Three Lions’ dramatic 22-run win over the Indians at Lord’s on Monday, will not feature in either of the remaining two matches, which take place at Old Trafford in Manchester before returning to London at The Oval.
Bashir dismissed Mohammed Siraj to confirm England’s victory after a nervy final session in west London, where Ben Stokes’ side were desperately trying to get past the invincible Ravindra Jadeja.
Neither Stokes nor Brydon Carse could get close to the stumps as nerves began to settle around the ground, but Bashir was on hand to deliver at the death, with his delivery for Siraj ricocheting off the bottom-order batsman and dribbling onto the stumps.
However, despite his heroics, Bashir will not be available for the remaining two Tests after he broke a finger on his left hand.
The 21-year-old was attempting a catch off his own delivery on day three of the third Test, and he will now need surgery to resolve the issue.
"It's not good news for Bash," said England captain Stokes. "It's very disappointing for us as a team and for him."
"He's 21 years old, he's got a very badly broken finger.
"To even walk out there and bat. He didn't even ask, he got his pads on, and got his finger strapped up.
"Every time I looked down at the bench, I could see his face peering saying, 'Get me on'.
"To finish that game off was written in the stars."
There are options to replace Bashir in the bowling ranks, with his Somerset team-mate Jack Leach a left-arm spinner, while Rehan Ahmed’s leg spin could come in handy in Manchester.
Liam Dawson, the leading spinner in this year’s County Championship this year, returned to the T20 side earlier this year and could also be in contention.