Rehan Ahmed, a young leg-spinner who will replace Moeen Ali for the 2023 Ashes, has been added to England’s Test squad.
In the first Test at Edgbaston, the latter’s performance was hindered by a blistered spinning finger.
In Karachi last year, Ahmed made a memorable Test debut against Pakistan. He took 5-48 in the second innings as England went on to thrash the hosts by eight wickets and sweep the three-match series.
Ahead of the second Ashes Test, Rehan Ahmed has been added to the England Test Squad
https://twitter.com/anngrypakiistan/status/1672216277627305984?s=46
An old video of Ahmed, impressing none other than late spin legend Shane Warne is going viral on social media platforms amid the excitement surrounding the young leg-spinner’s recall to the Test team.
In the 2017 video, Warne can be seen keeping a close eye on Ahmed as he bowls in the nets. The boy then hears him say:
“Man, that’s amazing. Excellent, excellent. I’m going to watch you closely. I anticipate making a comment about you very soon. By the time you turn 15, I predict you will be participating in first-class cricket.”
Ahmed (18 years, 128 days) made test debut history by taking five wickets against Pakistan in Karachi, making him the youngest player to do so.
He surpassed Pat Cummins, the current Australian Test captain (18 years and 193 days), who set the previous record against South Africa in 2011.
In men’s Test cricket, he is also the youngest player to represent England. Brian Close held the previous record.
Despite Ahmed’s less-than-stellar performances for Leicestershire in the 2023 County Championship, he has been selected for the England Test squad for the ongoing Ashes.
In seven games, he only took six wickets, averaging 67.66. With the willow, the young player has performed much better.
He scored 423 runs at an average of 38.45, with four half-centuries, including a high of 90 against Glamorgan.
With two five-wicket hauls, Ahmed has taken 22 wickets overall at an average of 37 in 11 first-class games. Averaging 33 points per run, he has also contributed 629 runs and scored 100 times.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.