3 underrated spinners who could dominate Test cricket in the next two years

Spin bowling has long been one of the defining weapons in Test cricket, particularly as matches enter their later stages and pitches begin to offer more assistance. While established names often dominate the conversation, several lesser-known spinners have been steadily building impressive records and making an impact whenever given the opportunity.

With a combination of skill, consistency, and the ability to adapt to different conditions, these bowlers have the potential to become major forces in the longest format.

Here’s a look at 3 underrated spinners who could dominate Test cricket for the next two years:

3. Shoaib Bashir (England)

Shoaib Bashir is a young off-spin bowler from England who has already made his way into the Test setup at a relatively early age. His modest record so far suggests that he has a lot to improve, but with age on his side, he has considerable scope for development in the years ahead.

Shoaib Bashir has played 21 Tests so far, taking 71 wickets at an average of 39.42. His best innings figures are 6/81, while his best match figures stand at 9/143. He has bowled 2,799 deliveries and conceded 4,427 runs, with an economy rate of 3.79.

England have historically produced quality spinners, and Bashir represents the next generation of red-ball slow bowlers in the country. His ability to extract turn and his willingness to bowl long spells make him a prospect worth tracking closely as he gains more experience at the highest level.

2. Prabath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

Prabath Jayasuriya made his Test debut on July 8, 2022, against Australia and has since established himself as one of Sri Lanka's most reliable bowling options in the longest format. The left-arm orthodox spinner was born on November 5, 1991, in Matale, Sri Lanka.

Jayasuriya announced himself on the international stage in emphatic fashion during the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka in July 2022, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the series with 17 wickets and earning the Player of the Series award. During that series, he took his fourth five-wicket haul in just six innings. He has gone on to record 12 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, a figure that underlines his consistency at the highest level.

He also had a notable outing against India in the first Test at Galle. Despite these performances, Jayasuriya remains one of the more underrated spin bowlers of his generation.

1. Taijul Islam (Bangladesh)

Taijul Islam has surpassed Shakib Al Hasan to become the highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh in Test cricket. The slow left-arm orthodox spinner was born on February 7, 1992, and made his Test debut on September 5, 2014, against West Indies.

Across 62 Test matches, Taijul has taken 272 wickets at an average of 30.33, with an economy rate of 3.05 and a best innings figure of 8/39. In 2026, he has been particularly sharp, sitting second on the overall Test wicket-takers list with 22 wickets from just 5 matches at an average of 22.04, with a best of 7/138.

He was the leading wicket-taker in the Bangladesh versus Pakistan Test series, claiming 13 wickets as Bangladesh won the two-match series 2-0. He also featured in Bangladesh's historic Test win over Australia in 2026.