Naseem Shah: 16-YO Pacer Who Could Solve Pakistan's Cricketing Woes

Former skipper and bowling coach Waqar Younis has stated that Naseem reminds him of legendary Australian fast-bowler Dennis Lillee

Pakistan’s 16-year-old pacer Naseem Shah grabbed the spotlight with his outing against Australia A in the 3-day tour match. After deciding not to return home on his mother’s funeral on Monday, the teenager bowled his heart out on Wednesday to leave the Australians tottering. Shah couldn’t bowl in the first innings and leaked 21 runs in the second. However, the way he troubled the Australian batsmen was enough to prove his mettle in the international circuit. He took down Marcus Harris in the game while left Usman Khawaja dazed with a short ball which struck the batsman’s helmet. He also got an edge off Harris’ bat to travel to first slip but Haris Sohail dropped the catch. Here’s the video:

🔥 Smoke! 🔥

16-year-old Naseem Shah impressed with his serious pace against the Australia A top order. #AUSAvPAK pic.twitter.com/tHx9XEK9BS — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 13, 2019

Blessing your timeline with a talent that is Naseem Shah. Masha’Allah nazar na lage iss bowling action ko ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dZZgOM8g1a

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) November 13, 2019

While many have found his action similar to that of former New Zealand quick Shane Bond, former skipper and bowling coach Waqar Younis has stated that Naseem reminds him of legendary Australian fast-bowler Dennis Lillee. “He’s very talented – and he’s smart. He’s got a very good action, he’s got good pace. He reminds me of Dennis Lillee actually. He’s got a very similar action. He’s not as big as Dennis – Dennis was a big guy – but when he gets it right, he’s a handful,” Waqar said.

Naseem Shah says he's been told his action is similar to that of former NZ quick Shane Bond.#AUSAvPAK pic.twitter.com/PCKQ7jHWId

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 13, 2019

The youngster took a brave decision about not returning home following his mother’s demise. According to Pakistani media reports, Naseem consulted his family before conveying his decision to stay on in Australia to the Pakistan team management. On the other hand, players from both teams wore black armbands on the first two days of the practice match to pay homage to Naseem’s late mother. The youngster garnered many praises due to his impressive speed and unique action. Despite just 6 FC matches since his debut for Lahore last September, he has taken 26 wickets at an average of 16.50. Even Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq backed the rookie bowler and said that if he becomes the youngest person to play a Test down under, the conditions in Australia could be in his favour.