Rehan Ahmed, who represented Bahawalpur Royals in the maiden edition of the Pakistan Junior League (PJL), has been named in England’s squad for the three-match Test series against Pakistan. The 18-year-old leg-spin all-rounder from Leicestershire has been officially added to the tour squad, all set to make his Test debut.
Ahmed initially intended to tour as a net bowler with only three first-class performances. However, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) assessing him and finding him potential enough to learn from experts, finds it appropriate to name the youngster in the Test squad.
Following an intense period of training with England Lions, pinnacling in a warm-up match in Abu Dhabi against the Test side, he will tour in a more official capacity now. The player was informed of his promotion to the full squad by Test coach Brendon McCullum during the tea on the first day of the fixture at Tolerance Oval in which.
Notably, he bowled eight wicketless overs for 73 runs but took an excellent catch to remove Will Jacks, back-pedalling from cover, off the bowling of Dan Lawrence. If selected in the playing XI of any of the three Tests, he will become the youngest-ever Test debutant from England.
Not only this, but Rehan, if selected, would also be the first Leicestershire cricketer capped by the national team since August 2011, when James Taylor made his ODI debut. McCullum, on making a statement on him, said,
“We know he’s not the finished article and has raw potential. But Ben [Stokes], myself and the rest of the coaches like how he approaches his game. The experience of being part of the squad in Pakistan will be hugely beneficial for him, and he will add to the make-up of our squad.”
While talking to ESPN Cricinfo, the Pakistan-born cricketer said,
“My dad is from Pakistan, and I have family there, so I’ve been a few times. We’re from a place called Mirpur. Whenever I’ve been, I’ll go to the stadium and train, and you’ll have a load of bowlers ready to bowl to you and a load of batters ready to bat.
“Every time I’ve been, it’s always been great: the way they look after you, there is crazy. It would mean the world to represent England in Pakistan. It would be great.”
Also, see:
