Ben Stokes hints at playing Shoaib Bashir against India in second Test

England is leading the five-match Test series against India by 1-0. Last week, the Three Lions won the game by 28 runs in Hyderabad on Day Four. The next Test will start on February 2, a day later in Vizag. Ahead of the game, England skipper Ben Stokes has hinted at whether Shoaib Bashir will play or not.

Notably, the latter missed the first Test due to visa issues. He joined the team midway into the first Test and saw his team win a close game with his shades on. Meanwhile, speaking on left-arm spinner Jack Leach's injury, Stokes said it's a shame that Leach sustained another injury shortly after making his comeback post his back injury.

The left-arm spinner is ruled out of the next game due to a knee injury. Notably, he played the first Test carrying the same.

"He's ruled out of the second Test," Stokes said, speaking of Leach's injury. "Unfortunately, the knock he took resulted in a hematoma in his leg. It's a big shame for us, a big shame for Jack, obviously after a long time out of the game with his back.

If Shoaib Bashir was to play on this tour.: Ben Stokes

The two-time World Cup winner added that if Bashir gets the chance to play, he will make sure the uncapped England spinner will get the best experience. 

"If he was to play on this tour, then the great thing he has on his side is, what is there to lose?" Stokes said.

"That is how I will be thinking about it, if he gets the chance to play: just to make sure I can give him the best experience I possibly can. Because you only play your first Test match once. If he does play, then I will be trying to make it as enjoyable and fun for him as I can," Stokes said.