SHOAIB CAN PUT INDIA IN A SPIN

Bashir's Somerset coach Kerr backs new boy to shine on subcontinent

- RICHARD EDWARDS

SHOAIB BASHIR will be England's ultimate surprise package on their tour to India.

Because if so few people have heard of the England new boy back home, then he will be an absolute mystery to India's batters too.

The 20-year-old was a pre-Christmas bolter for England's touring party, having played only six first-class matches.

And his Somerset coach reckons he has magic in his fingers.

But he also hopes he is better at bowling on Indian pitches than at keeping secrets.

Jason Kerr (above) said: "Shoaib let his selection slip initially by asking me if I was around before he went to India.