Daniel Vettori heaps praise on young Pakistan spinner Shadab Khan

Possessing the exuberance of youth, 19-year-old Shadab Khan is growing into a confident cricketer with each passing game. The young leg-spinner has grabbed the cricketing world’s attention in a short span of time, establishing himself as a potent bowler in the limited-overs format. Much more than sheer numbers, the wrist spinner’s courage to flight the ball as well as his judicious use of the googly are beyond his age.

Former New Zealand skipper and arguably one of the best spinners of modern day cricket, Daniel Vettori, also heaped praises on the youngster from Pakistan. Shadab will be making his debut at the Big Bash League this December, for the Brisbane Heat after he replaced West Indian leggie Samuel Badree. After showcasing his immense potential in the international circuit, the leg-break bowler is now preparing for the upcoming challenge.

Lauding the young spinner, Vettori, who is also the head coach of the Brisbane Heat said, “I think Shadab is one of the bright young stars of world cricket known to people for his leg spin. What we have found from the last two years is that with the skills set of someone like Samuel Badree can really work at Gabba, and Shadab brings that same sort of skill set.”

Heat boasts of a lethal spin-attack

He looks upbeat with the signing and believes the new recruit will be a triumph card for Brisbane Heat as they look to claim a second Big Bash title this summer. Vettori, who signed a new two-year deal with the franchise last week, insists the complete package Shadab brings will more than make up for Badree’s absence.

The addition of Shadab, in conjunction with promising Queensland leg-spinner Mitch Swepson, as well as part-timer Marnus Labuschagne and even Joe Burns, all played into the Heat strategy that has been formulated in his time at the club.

Brisbane kicks off their Big Bash campaign against Melbourne Stars at the Gabba on December 20.