Teenage fast bowler Naseem Shah looks a serious prospect for Pakistan cricket with his eye-popping spell that he delivered to Australia A team during a tour match on Wednesday.
His fiery deliveries kept the host players on their toes. He spent the last few overs of the match giving Pakistan-origin Aussie all-rounder Usman Khawaja a serious working over.
Naseem Shah’s dedication to the national commitment and the decision to not to return home despite his mother’s demise two days ago (on Nov 10) definitely made everyone feel for him, but he used it as a different energy to up the game to a farther level. He must be thinking of making his mum proud through his performance. Both the teams played the match wearing black armbands to express sympathy with the 16-year-old for the loss.
With just four overs and one wicket in the game, he has made the world talking about him.
It should be noted that Pakistan has lost last 12 Test matches against Australia in their backyard and if Naseem Shah helps break the impasse, he would become a superstar overnight. The young pace sensation has found a spot in the national squad for the two-match Test series to be played later this month.
Also Read: Pakistan should learn their lessons after Australia defeat
The right-armer Naseem has donned the national colours in age-group cricket at the U16, U19 and Emerging levels, while his sharp bouncers made batsmen duck for cover at the domestic level also.
Naseem, first made an impression in the Pepsi Stars U16 One-Day tournament, he took four wickets in his first match, the youngster hasn’t looked back since and has made his presence felt at all levels. He took three wickets in two T20 matches against Australia U16; he also prospered in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, taking six wickets in three matches.
In five first-class appearances, Naseem has taken 17 wickets; his best bowling figures in an innings are six for 59. In the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2019-20, Naseem has collected nine wickets in three appearances. Naseem’s inclusion is an audacious decision by the Misbah-ul-Haq-led selection committee, and aimed at breathing fire in Pakistan’s pace attack on the bouncy Australian tracks.
Prior to leaving for the Australia tour Naseem Shah had said: “Inclusion in the national team is the realisation of a dream; all professional cricketers aspire the same and work hard day-in-day-out. Bowling coach Waqar Younis has asked me to bowl on my strengths and that is exactly what I will aim to do in Australia.
“I have always been inspired and encouraged by watching videos of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar. I aim to make an impression with my speed and swing if given a chance in the Tests against Australia.
“The conditions in Australia help fast-bowlers, my aim is to make maximum use of the conditions and give a tough time to the home side, playing on hard and bouncy pitches will be a great experience and a learning curve for me.”
Former Australian player Brad Hogg said, “Naseem Shah is the real deal. Can’t wait for the GABBA Test. Face bowling at its best.”
Guardian’s cricket news reporter Ali Martin said, “Naseem Shah looks a serious prospect. 16 years old, just lost his mum two days ago, has spent the last few overs giving Usman Khawaja a serious working over in the Australia A v Pakistan match.”
China produces plastic, Germany produces cars, the Middle East produces oil and Pakistan produces fast bowlers. They have an outrageous production line of pace bowling talent. Naseem Shah looks very exciting indeed. #AUSAvPAK
— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) November 13, 2019
https://twitter.com/HomeOfCricket/status/1194590995427532801
Ping! pic.twitter.com/cAkNrlbbGW
— Ali Martin (@Cricket_Ali) November 13, 2019
Naseem Shah looks a serious prospect. 16 years old, just lost his mum two days ago, has spent the last few overs giving Usman Khawaja a serious working over in the Australia A v Pakistan match https://t.co/SxnnhqYOWE
— Ali Martin (@Cricket_Ali) November 13, 2019
https://twitter.com/cricketpakcompk/status/1194564730746277896
