LET'S GIVE IT A BASH

Rookie Shoaib handed shock call for India tour

- BGIDEON BROOKS 

ENGLAND have handed a shock Test call-up to Somerset rookie Shoaib Bashir in the hope they are backing a future "world-class spinner".

The 20-year-old, who has just six first-class matches and 10 wickets on his CV, is one of three uncapped players in a 16-man squad to tour India in a five-Test tour starting next month.

Defending the leftfield selection, director of cricket Rob Key (right) admitted selectors and head coach Brendon McCullum were going on gut instinct over a player they believe can reach the top.

Bashir only made his professional debut in June but has been fast tracked through to Lions level and was scouted by the Kiwi coach at their training camp in Abu Dhabi.