Rehan Ahmed prioritises county cricket over home Test debut

England's teenage leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed stated that he is currently focusing on performing well for Leicestershire in the upcoming County Championship, rather than playing in a potential home Test debut. Ahmed gained recognition in 2022 during England's Test series against Pakistan, becoming the youngest men's cricketer of the English side to secure a five-wicket haul on his debut. He impressed in England's recent 4-1 series loss to India as well, claiming 11 wickets in three Tests.

While speaking about the forthcoming season, Ahmed expressed a lack of concern regarding specific accomplishments he is set to achieve. He also stressed his desire to enhance his batting skills and contribute significantly with the ball for Leicestershire.

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"I'm not really fussed about what I'm trying to achieve this year. I've tried to do as much as I can within myself. So whether that's me getting my overs in, me getting as many runs as I can because I love my batting and I've underperformed. I want to bat better," Ahmed was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Despite England's upcoming engagements, such as the much-awaited ICC Men's T20 World Cup and home Test series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka,  Ahmed remains commited to county cricket.

"I'll be playing county cricket straight away. Leicester comes first when I'm not playing for England," he added.

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The 19-year-old admitted the difficulties posed by early-season conditions in England, especially for spinners. He stressed that he lacked a bit in bowling while recognising the importance of adapting his game and seizing opportunities to bowl, both during matches as well as in training.

"Bowling in matches is something I've lacked a bit. I've bowled a lot in white-ball, not heaps of overs in red-ball plus it's April, going to be nipping round corners. I'll be bowling loads in training," he remarked.