ENG Vs IND: England Batting Coach Marcus Trescothick Shares Key Update On Shoaib Bashir’s Finger Injury

London | July 14, 2025 – Few venues in the world provide the theater for cricketing drama quite like Lord’s. As the historic ground prepares for the final day of the third Test between England and India, anticipation is peaking. Both sides are within touching distance of victory, setting the stage for a grandstand finish to a match that has oscillated with each session.

India, needing 135 runs with six wickets in hand, will look to script a memorable chase. Meanwhile, England will back their bowlers, buoyed by the late swing and turn on offer, to claw their way to a vital series-levelling win. In a development that adds spice to the already boiling cauldron, England’s spin spearhead Shoaib Bashir has been declared fit to bowl — a potentially game-defining twist.

A Contest Balanced on a Knife’s Edge

Four enthralling days of cricket at Lord’s have led to a perfect scenario: a final-day finish with both teams having realistic chances. For England, this is more than just a win—it’s a shot at redemption after being outplayed in the second Test at Trent Bridge. For India, victory here means a historic series lead on English soil.

The chase began late on Day 4 after England were bowled out in their second innings. India reached 103/4 at stumps, with Shubman Gill and Washington Sundar at the crease. But what looms large over proceedings is Shoaib Bashir’s fitness and availability, which England hope could be the trump card on a wearing pitch.

Marcus Trescothick Confirms Bashir’s Readiness

Addressing the media after Day 4, England’s batting coach Marcus Trescothick provided a crucial update on Bashir’s injury:

“He’s fit to bowl, was ready to bowl. I think it comes in the regulations – he can come on to bowl as and when he’s needed, and then if he’s not bowling at any stage, he can then come back off because it’s obviously an external blow. So, should we need him, he will be ready to bowl.”

This confirmation offers England an added layer of strategic flexibility. Given the signs of deterioration on the surface—rough patches outside the right-hander’s off-stump and variable bounce—Bashir’s off-spin could pose a serious threat to India’s middle and lower order, particularly to the left-handers.

How Did Bashir Get Injured?

The injury occurred on Day 3, when Bashir attempted a reflexive caught-and-bowled chance off a fierce drive from Ravindra Jadeja. The ball smashed into the little finger of his non-bowling hand (left), and he immediately left the field for medical attention. Though Bashir bravely came out to bat in England’s second innings, he was not seen with the ball during India’s second-innings start.

England’s hesitation to hand him the ball, despite the favorable conditions, raised questions about his fitness. With the final day looming large, his recovery comes as a sigh of relief for captain Ben Stokes and the English camp.

The Role Bashir Could Play on Day 5

With Joe Root and Moeen Ali having bowled significant overs in the second innings and the pitch now visibly taking spin, Bashir could be deployed in short but attacking spells, especially targeting footmarks outside the off-stump of India’s right-handers.

His ability to extract bounce and drift the ball into the pads makes him a dangerous weapon, particularly against players like Washington Sundar, KS Bharat, and Shardul Thakur, who are likely to face spin under pressure.

India’s Chase – Grit, Patience, and a Little Bit of Luck Needed

For India, the equation is simple, yet far from easy: score 135 runs without losing 6 wickets. Easier said than done on a Lord’s fifth-day pitch under overcast skies and facing a fired-up English attack. But this Indian team, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, has shown the temperament for these moments.

Who Holds the Key for India?

*Shubman Gill (37 at stumps)**: A modern technician, he’ll be expected to anchor the innings deep into Day 5.
Washington Sundar: His composure against spin and ability to rotate strike will be critical.
KS Bharat & Shardul Thakur: Both can bat but will be tested by the tactical nous of England’s bowlers.
Ravindra Jadeja: Yet to come, but perhaps the biggest x-factor, especially against spin and reverse swing.

England’s Bowling Arsenal for the Final Push

Should Bashir be able to bowl extended spells, England have the luxury of rotating their fast bowlers. James Anderson, Ollie Robinson, and Chris Woakes have all bowled tirelessly, and Root’s control offers a useful spin alternative to rest Bashir when needed.

Key Strategies England May Employ:

Early reverse swing from Woakes and Anderson could expose Sundar and Gill.
Short leg and silly point in place for Bashir, who can exploit the rough outside the off stump.
Tactical field placements to prevent singles, pressurize new batsmen, and force false shots.

Day 5: The Tactical Battlefield

What will define the fifth day at Lord’s is not just skill, but nerve. It will be about who absorbs pressure better. The opening hour will be pivotal—if England strike early, they could run through the Indian tail. If India bat smartly, rotate strike, and keep wickets in hand till the new ball is due, they’ll fancy their chances.

A Test Befitting the Venue

Lord’s has witnessed countless iconic finishes—from Michael Holding’s demolition in 1976 to Ben Stokes’ Ashes miracle in 2019. This Test match is shaping up to enter that legendary list. The crowd at St John’s Wood is expected to be in full voice, as neutral fans and national loyalists alike prepare for what could be the most gripping final day of the 2025 English summer.

What Happens If It Rains?

The forecast suggests overcast skies with intermittent sunshine and a minimal chance of light rain. If there is weather interference, India will gain the advantage—just as England will be hoping for an uninterrupted day to unleash a full bowling effort.

Possible Scenarios:

India win by 4-5 wickets: If Gill or Jadeja plays a blinder and helps India reach the target comfortably.
England win by 30-50 runs: If Bashir or Woakes strikes early and puts pressure on India’s lower order.
Draw: Unlikely but possible in case of extended rain delays or exceptional resistance by the Indian tail.
Tie: Unprecedented, but not impossible in a match this close.

Voices from the Camp

🇬🇧 Marcus Trescothick (England Batting Coach):

“This is why we love Test cricket. These are the moments that players dream of. We back our bowlers to do the job. Bash [Bashir] is ready and if conditions allow, he’ll play a big role.”

🇮🇳 Paras Mhambrey (India Bowling Coach):

“We’re proud of the fight. There’s still work to do but we back our boys. If we get partnerships, we can do this. Lord’s finals are special, and the boys are pumped.”

Final Word: A Test of Grit and Greatness

The cricketing world will turn its eyes to Lord’s one last time for this match. It has all the ingredients—a fourth-innings chase under pressure, a spinner returning from injury, a legendary venue, and two world-class teams who refuse to back down.

Whether it’s Bashir spinning a web, Gill anchoring a masterclass, or Woakes storming through the tail — Day 5 promises memories that will be etched in history.

One day. One result. One winner. Let the final act begin.

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