THE BIG BASHIR

Tall guy Shoaib is still hitting new heights

- NEIL MOXLEY

SHOAIB BASHIR says he is growing into the job as Ben Stokes' frontline spinner.

The 20-year-old, who became the youngest England bowler to take a five-wicket haul in a home Test with his heroics against the West Indies, is getting taller.

Already standing at six feet four inches, the Somerset off-spinner believes he is still shooting upwards.

And, much like the job he's doing for Stokes following his match-winning 5-41 performance at Trent Bridge, he is going to get bigger and better.

He said: "I'm six-four, I'm still growing. I'm grateful for that, it's a nice attribute to have.

"The extra bounce helps. We saw it in the second innings. If you land the ball in the right areas, a few will bounce and a few will skid on.