Naseem Shah will get stronger and cause trouble to batsmen around the world: Waqar Younis

The first Test between Pakistan and England became quite interesting during the fourth and the last day of the game. The home team clinched the game with 3 wickets but Pakistan’s performance can’t be written off. The subcontinent team played with great pride and took the 1st inning lead.

However, the match-winning partnership between Woakes and Buttler came in as a speed breaker for Pakistani team who were all set to win the first game of much-anticipated series. The thing which got the most appreciated by the whole cricket fraternity was Pakistan’s pace bowling attack.

The young pace attack was the one which made the first assault. The home team’s top order was shattered by the Pakistani pacers in the 1st innings which put them on the back foot. The inexperienced pace attack was quite appreciated even during the tour ‘Down Under’ where a 16-year-old Naseem Shah debuted for his country.

Now, the Peshawar lad has become an integral part of the team. The 17-year-old is known for top-notch pace with phenomenal control over the ball. The speedster even bowled faster than Jofra Archer during the first Test. The right-hander was only playing his 5th test but maturity and rawness in his fast bowling was a delight to watch. The pacer can next be seen when Pakistan will take on England at the Rose Bowl, Southampton for the second Test from Thursday.

Naseem Shah is one for the future: Waqar Younis

The Pakistani bowling coach also applauded the teenager during his recent media conference. Waqar Younis, Pakistan’s all-time second-highest wicket-taker praised Naseem’s ability and said that with better fitness to bowl longer spells, the youngster can do wonders for his country.

“He’s very talented and he’s only 17 years of age, he’s still growing but what a talent he is,” Waqar told a media conference.

“I don’t think he really bowled as well as expected in the previous game, but he can really bowl well, he can really take the opposition on at times. He’s one for the future, he’s going to get stronger and hopefully get fitter and be able to bowl longer spells and will cause trouble to batsmen around the world,” he said.

Waqar, who has taken 373 wickets himself, feels that the new speedster can join him and Akram at the top of the chart with better fitness. The bowling coach also feels Pakistan has produced quite a few very good fast bowlers in the last 2-3 decades and if Naseem can capitalize on his potential with better fitness, he can be a future star.

“Once he gets fitter and bowls more overs, he will definitely be a force for Pakistan in the next coming few years. When you talk about becoming a great it’s very, very difficult to be sure about anyone.

Pakistan has over the years produced some really, really quality fast bowlers in the last two and a half/three decades I know. If he keeps himself fit and strong and keeps bowling, I’m sure he’s got the potential of becoming a very good bowler,” added Waqar.