SOMERSET'S Shoaib Bashir’s hopes of making his debut for England in the opening match of the five Test Series against India suffered a setback when he was refused entry to the country.

The 20 year old spinner, who was a surprise selection for the tour, suffered the frustration of having to remain in Abu Dhabi when the rest of the tour party flew to India on Sunday because of problems with him being granted a visa.

While the rest of the England team were making final preparations for the opening match that starts early tomorrow |(Thurs) in Hyderabad , Bashir flew back home to England to try to get the problem with his visa resolved and hopes to join the rest of the touring party in time for the second test.

Fortunately, the visa problem was resolved by lunchtime today and Bashir will shortly be on his way to join up with the rest of his England team mates.