Naseem Shah surprises Usman Khawaja with a short ball in the practice match between Pakistan and Australia A in Perth on Wednesday, November 13 (left); Shaheen Afridi pats Naseem Shah as Pakistan players walk off the field.
Sixteen-year-old pace sensation Naseem Shah lived up to promise on his first outing for the Pakistan national team against Australia A in a practice match. He is set to make his Test debut against Australia in Perth on Thursday.
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
Having chosen to not return home from Australia despite having lost his mother on Monday, Naseem Shah bowled his heart out on Wednesday, November 13.
According to Geo TV, Shah consulted his family before conveying his decision to stay on in Australia to the Pakistan team management. In solidarity with his bereavement, players from both teams wore black armbands on the first two days of the practice match.
On Wednesday, Shah’s first wicket was Marcus Harris, who was gone for 21 in the last session of the day. However, he had got the Australia batsmen dancing to his tune before that as well. He left Usman Khawaja dazed with a short ball which struck the batsman’s helmet. He also got an edge to travel to first slip before his wicket, but Haris Sohail dropped the catch.
He had figures of 1/21 in his first 8 overs.
Naseem gets a well-deserved wicket with a searing short ball!
Watch #AusAvPAK: https://t.co/fej6gSpsJZ pic.twitter.com/DbFS0qO30F
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 13, 2019
Put down at first slip!
Naseem Shah is bowling beautifully in Perth.
Watch #AusAvPAK: https://t.co/fej6gSpsJZ pic.twitter.com/Kh4iipZ4e1
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 13, 2019
Naseem Shah the real deal. Can’t wait for the GABBA Test. Face bowling at its best. #AUSvPAK #cricket
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) November 13, 2019
Shah has a unique action and is able to generate pace. Despite just 6 FC matches since his debut for Lahore last September, he has taken 26 wickets at an average of 16.50.
Also Read | Naseem Shah, the 16-year-old who could make his Test debut for Pakistan Down Under
Shah, who was playing gully cricket till two years ago, has said he idolizes Shane Bond and Shoaib Akhtar. If he makes his debut in Australia, he will be the ninth youngest player in Test history and the youngest to feature in a Test on Australian soil.
Pakistan coach Misbah ul Haq said Naseem Shah could prove to be the surprise package in the tour of Australia.
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