England spinner Bashir swaps Somerset for Derbyshire

England spin bowler Shoaib Bashir has left Somerset to join Derbyshire in Division Two of the County Championship.

The 22-year-old was part of the England squad for the recent Ashes series in Australia but did not feature in the crushing 4-1 defeat.

Bashir’s omission throughout the tour drew criticism from some observers, with former England spinner Phil Tufnell advocating for his inclusion during their third Test defeat in Adelaide.

The right-armer, who has signed a two-year deal with Derbyshire after turning down a new Somerset contract, has taken 68 wickets in 19 Test appearances to date.

Derbyshire’s head of cricket Mickey Arthur, who has previously coached Australia, South Africa and Pakistan, said the club “worked hard to make this deal happen”.

“To be able to bring in a current England international is really exciting,” Arthur told the club website.

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

Bashir became the youngest England men’s bowler to take a five-wicket haul with 5-41 against West Indies at Trent Bridge in 2024.

But he has found first-team opportunities tough to come by at Somerset – often behind veteran Jack Leach in the pecking order – and has spent time on loan with Worcestershire and Glamorgan the past two summers.

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said the club “respect” Bashir’s decision and added it has “been a pleasure to see him develop into an international cricketer” during his time with them.

Bashir joins a Derbyshire side that finished third in Division Two last season, and he says the club’s push for promotion was part of the appeal.