Sawt Falasteen - England off-spinner Bashir signs for Derbyshire after Ashes exile

Bashir has moved to the Second Division side following the end of his contract with domestic rivals Somerset.

Despite being England's only frontline spinner in their Ashes squad, Bashir did not feature in a recent 4-1 series defeat despite team management repeatedly emphasising his suitability for Australian conditions in the build-up to the tour.

Bashir stayed on the sidelines in Australia, with England preferring all-rounder Will Jacks in a bid to bolster their batting.

It was an all-too familiar situation for Bashir, who had struggled for game time at southwest side Somerset behind left-arm spinner Jack Leach.

The emergence of off-spinning all-rounder Archie Vaughan, the son of former England captain Michael Vaughan, at Somerset further restricted Bashir's chances at Taunton and led to him having brief loan spells with Worcestershire and Glamorgan in a bid to get more overs under his belt.

But the 22-year-old is now looking to revive his career at Midlands county Derbyshire, where a team under the guidance of former South Africa, Australia and Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur narrowly missed out on promotion to the First Division last season.

"Derbyshire have a really exciting project going on and working with Mickey Arthur, one of the best coaches in the world, is a great opportunity for any young player," said Bashir.

"I'm keen to play more red-ball cricket, continue my development in the white-ball formats and challenge for promotion with Derbyshire."

Bashir has taken 68 wickets in 19 Tests since his debut in India in February 2024 and became the youngest England bowler to reach 50 dismissals in May last year.

However, he has not featured for England since breaking a finger on his non-bowling hand against India at Lord's in July.

Bashir remains centrally contracted by England until the end of 2026 and Arthur has no doubts about his potential.

"To be able to bring in a current England international is really exciting," Arthur said.

"He will bring great energy and experience into our dressing room, despite having so much time to still improve his game."

A.AlHaj--SF-PST