Arthur backs 'national treasure' Bashir to regain form

England off-spinner Shoaib Bashir is a "national treasure" whose growth is "going to be massive", says Derbyshire coach Mickey Arthur.

Bashir, 22, was England's frontline spinner for two years leading into last winter's Ashes but was left out of the XI in all five Tests in Australia.

After being released by Somerset, who prefer England team-mate Jack Leach, Bashir has signed for Derbyshire and has been told by his country to get more game time at the start of the season.

Former Pakistan, South Africa and Australia coach Arthur said: "I've been very fortunate to see a lot of spinners, some in the subcontinent.

"I haven't seen a spinner that is as consistent as what Shoaib is at the same age so I just think the growth is going to be massive.

"It would be lovely if it was just smooth sailing but the journey is going to be up and down and that's how you gather that experience.

"From what I've seen with Shoaib the world is going to be his oyster. He truly is a national treasure."

Bashir was almost unique in being picked for England despite not being first choice at his county until he broke his finger in the Lord's Test against India last summer.

His record of 68 wickets in 19 Tests is respectable, but when he returned to fitness for Australia he was omitted. An all-pace attack was preferred for the first Test before England opted for the all-round abilities of Will Jacks in the remainder of the series.

Bashir struggled when he did play in practice matches in Australia – his two wickets cost more than five runs per over in the warm-up before the first Test, and he took 0-115 in a match against Australia A – but Bashir maintains he was happy with his form.

"I wouldn't say I was not bowling to my best, because I still feel like I was bowling quite nicely," he said.

"It's just one of those where you're always looking to learn. I'm still so young and I don't take that for granted at all."

Bashir looks set make his Derbyshire debut when they begin their County Championship campaign at home to Worcestershire on Friday.

The spot as England's Test spinner for the summer appears up for grabs with Leach, whose Somerset side host champions Nottinghamshire, Jacks, currently away at the Indian Premier League, and Bashir among a list of candidates that also includes Leicestershire's Rehan Ahmed and Hampshire's Liam Dawson among others.

After the Ashes, Bashir travelled to Zimbabwe to work with former Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed who was there at the Under-19 World Cup with England Lions.

He also said he has been putting in extra hours in the nets before the season in Derby.

"There's a few things I've been working on and I've seen some good progress and made some good strides into it," he said.

"I definitely feel like that period I spent with Mushy has helped me so much."