New Delhi: Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah, aged 16 years and 279 days, on Thursday became the youngest cricketer to make Test debut in Australia when he was included in the playing XI for the first Test of the two-match series at the Gabba.


The young teenage sensation made headlines after showcasing some serious pace in the Australia A vs Pakistan match. The 16-year-old impressed fans and cricket pundits with his ability to move the ball as he troubled the Australia Test batsmen by extracting some good pace from the Perth wicket.

The Pakistan speedster surpassed former Australia captain Ian Craig to make the record. Aussie great Craig had made his Test debut at the age of 17 vs Proteas at the MCG in 1953.

The 16-year-old also became the ninth youngest debutant in Test cricket. Pakistan's Hasan Raza, who made his debut in 1996 aged 14 years and 227 days, is the youngest.

Naseem also became the third youngest fast bowler to debut in Test cricket history.

Shah, whose bowling action is similar to that of former Kiwi quick Shane Bond, made his debut following a fiery spell in the practice game against Australia A. The 16-year-old got emotional after receiving his maiden Test cap from bowling coach Waqar Younis.

The pacer lost his mother while he was on the Australian tour. After consulting his family, he chose not to return home. Interestingly, he has played only seven first-class matches in which he has scalped 27 wickets at an average of 16.66.