In the aftermath of England’s victory in Hyderabad, Kevin Pietersen tweeted that kids have “zero interest” in Test cricket. He may have been surprised, therefore, by the opening day of the second instalment on India’s verdant east coast, where three whippersnappers – the oldest just 22 years young – stole the show.
First there was Shoaib Bashir. After being presented with his cap by the injured Jack Leach before the match, the 20-year-old put all the unnecessary visa strife behind him when his 21st ball at international level winkled out Rohit Sharma. Later, Bashir bookended proceedings by persuading Axar Patel to slash to backward point – this was the debut the off-spinner would have dreamed about growing up and while racking up all those air miles last week.
