- YASIR SHAH
How many times has it happened in the history of Test cricket that a bowler has taken over 45 wickets in his breakthrough season? Indian spin legend Anil Kumble had grabbed 50 wickets by the time he had finished playing his 10th Test match. Yasir Shah is apparently following the footsteps of ‘Jumbo’ it seems as he has grabbed 49 scalps in 7 games (including 3 five wicket hauls) at an average of 23 with his best figures in an innings of 7/76 coming against Sri Lanka in Galle in June earlier this year. The leg spinner scalped 24 wickets in Pakistan’s away Test series against Sri Lanka and was adjudged the ‘Man of the Series’ for his valiant effort with the ball against England in the series that followed. The 28 year old leggie, who burst onto the scene in 2014; thanks to an impressive outing against the Aussies, has had a terrific run in this calendar year and promises to add some versatility to the squad. This vital member of the current Pakistani set up ranks 4th in the ICC Test Rankings for bowlers.
