BASH BACKED TO SHO CLASS

Adil tips ace to get over winter blues

- BY SCOTT HUNT in Kandy

ADIL RASHID has backed Shoaib Bashir to come back stronger from a challenging winter.

The 22-year-old was selected as England's lead spinner for the Ashes tour Down Under but did not play a game as England opted to use all-rounder WillJacks as their only spin option.

Rashid, who played 19 Tests for England before focusing on his white-ball career, says Bashir (left) just needs to keep working on his craft.

Rashid said: “I've not spoken to him much in the past few months, but that happens in Test cricket.

“You go overseas, you hope to play a Test or Ashes, but you're not picked for a game.

“That happens so many times, other players have gone away and not played a game, so he’s in that same boat where he didn't get an opportunity.

“Tm sure he'll go back and keep working hard and be ready for the next one.”

Off-spinner Bashir has joined Derbyshire on a two-year deal after leaving Somerset, where he found his opportunities limited.