India v England: Shoaib Bashir 'cried' after shock call-up to Test squad

Somerset off-spinner Shoaib Bashir says he cried after receiving a shock call-up to England's Test squad that caps a "very special" journey.

The 20-year-old was named in England's squad for the five-Test tour of India from January to March.

He has played only six first-class matches since making his debut in June and was released by Surrey aged 17.

"That was rock bottom of my career," Bashir told BBC Radio Somerset's Charlie Taylor.

"I didn't think I'd ever play at any sort of high level at that point."

Bashir subsequently joined Berkshire and impressed by taking five wickets as Somerset were dismissed for 94 in the Under-18s 50-over County Plate semi-final last year.

"When you enjoy playing cricket you put in performances and that's what I did," said Bashir.

"Then I got a chance to play a second team game for Somerset at Guildford, where I live.

"That went well and the next game I took five wickets and Somerset signed me."

Bashir made his first-class debut against Essex in June and took 10 wickets at an average of 67 in his six matches this summer, while he also played five games in Somerset's winning T20 Blast campaign.

He was called up to the England Lions squad for a training camp in the United Arab Emirates in November and December, which England Test coach Brendon McCullum and managing director of men's cricket Rob Key attended.

Bashir said both had been "keeping a close eye" on him since his first-class debut but in the UAE saw what he was capable of on "different surfaces to England", while he also thinks his height at 6ft4 is another factor behind his early call-up.

"I was very numb inside when I got the call then I let my emotions fall out and I cried," he said.

"It's so special and I'm very thankful for the opportunity.

"I love playing cricket - I've only played cricket growing up, I didn't play many other sports."

Bashir said touring with Somerset team-mate Jack Leach, who he is yet to play alongside in county cricket, will be "a massive confidence booster".

"I'm really close with Leachy, we speak about cricket all the time, go for lunch, go for coffees," he added.

"I haven't played a game with him yet though so fingers crossed it happens in India."

Key said Bashir is mainly going to India for experience, with spinners Leach, Rehan Ahmed and Tom Hartley also in the squad, but added England "won't be afraid to play him if required".

Bashir said he will just "take it as it comes" and the chance to see the likes of Leach and India spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja bowling in a Test will be "a massive learning curve".

"I've not been to India before," he added. "I'm very excited."