Reason why Pakistan players are calling Naseem Shah as Lillee Shah

England and Pakistan are currently fighting it out in the first of the three-match Test series at the Old Trafford in Manchester. This is a return to international cricket for the visitors amid the COVID-19 pandemic while the Brits defeated the West Indies and Ireland in Tests and ODIs respectively. Pakistan were in the UK more than a month earlier to fulfill the mandatory quarantine requirements in the country.

Finally, on Wednesday, the much-anticipated started with Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali winning the toss and making a bold call of batting first. After posting a formidable 326 on the board, their bowlers, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Abbas, troubled the hosts a lot striking early. However, the real sensation has turned out to be the 17-year-old Naseem Shah.

He bowls at an extreme pace and has already hurried the England batsmen with his accuracy too. On the third day of the Test, Pakistan players were heard calling Naseem as ‘Lillee Shah’ which left many fans puzzled. Interestingly, Naseem Shah’s bowling action resembles exactly to the great Dennis Lillee and for the same reason, his teammates were calling him Lillee.

Dennis Lillee is still regarded as one of the best fast bowlers of all time and his bowling action filled with aggression was termed as the best template. And Naseem Shah’s action is exactly similar to him and after debuting so early, he will be hoping to replicate Lillee in his career too.

Naseem Shah debuted in Australia last year

Naseem Shah made his international debut last year in Australia and has impressed many with his raw pace. He has so far played in five Tests (and is playing in his 6th Test) and has picked 14 wickets. Pakistan will have to manage his fitness and form both if they are hoping for him to play for a long time. The country is known to unleash raw pace bowlers with Shaheen Afridi also being the one who is raking up the ranks quickly.

It will be interesting to see if Naseem Shah also becomes a long term prospect across all formats for Pakistan. As of now, the team will be concentrating on doing well in England and most importantly, take an early lead in the series.