Rehan Ahmed was nonetheless beaming a number of hours after he had grow to be – at 18 years, 126 days – England’s youngest Check cricketer, and hailed his expertise as ‘the perfect day of my life’.
Not for the reason that nineteenth century have England handed a Check cap to a participant with fewer than three first-class appearances on his CV.
But Ahmed overcame a nervy begin on the primary day of the third and remaining Check in opposition to Pakistan in Karachi to take the wickets of left-handers Saud Shakeel and Faheem Ashraf because the hosts have been bowled out for 304 after profitable the toss.
Rehan Ahmed is mobbed by his England team-mates after taking the wicket of Saud Shakeel
It was a heady day for the 18-year-old, who grew to become England’s youngest-ever cricketer
‘I did not count on to play,’ he stated. ‘I simply got here on this tour to get higher, however they’ve given me an opportunity. I did not sleep in any respect final night time. I used to be very nervous earlier than the primary ball, however the entire day was good.’
Ahmed completed with two for 89 – however his figures don’t inform the story of a efficiency during which his googly particularly proved a helpful weapon.
First he used the supply to set Shakeel up, earlier than dismissing him with a leg-break subsequent ball. Then he bamboozled Ashraf, trapping him leg-before as he performed down the improper line.
‘I attempted to place as a lot spin each methods and hope he nicks it,’ he stated of the primary wicket. ‘I rushed a bit of bit in that first spell, however Stokesy did not care about runs – he simply wished wickets.
Saud Shakeel was dismissed by Ahmed after a superb catch by Ollie Pope after lunch
Ahmed overcame a nervous begin to take two wickets on a stable first day for England
‘I have been bowling at left-handers all my life, as my brother’s left-handed and I used the tactic in opposition to him: googly, then leg-spinner and it labored. It is the perfect day of my life. I consider in myself, and I could not ask for extra.’
Ahmed additionally acquired reward from the opposition, with Pakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq – a former off-spinner with 208 Check wickets to his identify – complimenting his management and confidence.
‘He is simply 18 years outdated and his first ball is a improper’un,’ stated Saqlain. ‘That exhibits he has quite a lot of potential and he seems to be a extremely good prospect for the England workforce sooner or later.
Ahmed appeals to get his second wicket – that of Faheem Ashraf in the course of the opening innings
Ahmed’s father, who hails from Kashmir, was at Karachi’s Nationwide Stadium to observe his son make historical past, prompting Saqlain to explain it as a ‘level of nice delight that so many Pakistanis are enjoying for different international locations’.
He added: ‘Rehan bowled very properly right this moment. The best way he bowled sure deliveries to Babar and all the Pakistan batters makes me suppose there’s one thing about him. He performs for England, however his Pakistani roots make me very proud.’
Ready his flip within the press-conference room, Ahmed absorbed Saqlain’s sort phrases. ‘I did not wish to hear that,’ he joked. ‘It is pumped me a up a bit. However I would like to work with Saqqy and attempt to get higher.’
