Pakistan's youngsters including Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf show promise of a bright Test future

Waseem Ahmed 16:26 05/06/2018
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  • Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf were the biggest positives for Pakistan.

    Pakistan’s tour of Ireland and England came to an end with an innings defeat at the hands of the latter in the second Test at Headingley.

    Despite the chastening defeat at Leeds, Sarfraz Ahmed’s men can hold their heads high after beating Ireland in the one-off historic Test at Dublin and thrashing England by nine wickets at Lord’s.

    It was a Pakistan side filled with many young faces who were just making their baby steps in Test cricket. Here, we take a look at how these Pakistan youngsters performed on the tour.

    IMAM-UL-HAQ 

    The nephew of former skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq made his Test bow for Pakistan in the match against Ireland. The 22-year-old opening batsman gave a good account of himself in the two tour matches against Kent and Leicestershire where he registered two half-centuries.

    Imam’s match against Ireland was an eventful one and resulted in a fine unbeaten 74 in the second innings which took the visitors to victory. He was unable to repeat those heroics in the England series with a highest score of 34 in four innings. Nevertheless, the youngster has shown plenty of promising signs for a bright future in the opening spot for Pakistan.

    Imam-ul-Haq was terrific in the second innings against Ireland.

    Imam-ul-Haq was terrific in the second innings against Ireland.

    HASAN ALI

    Prior to the tour of Ireland and England, Hasan Ali had played just one sole Test for Pakistan against the West Indies last year.

    Though the pacer was not selected for the Ireland Test, he grabbed his chance in England with a four-wicket haul in the first innings at Lord’s. That was the high point for Ali in the tour with it all going downhill thereafter.

    While he did pick up two wickets in Headingley, the pacer’s dropped catch of Jos Buttler proved to be a highly costly one for his side. Showed a lot of encouraging signs but lacked the consistency.

    Hasan Ali had a great time in the Lord's Test.

    Hasan Ali had a great time in the Lord’s Test.

    FAHEEM ASHRAF

    The 24-year-old all-rounder has seen plenty of limited-overs action for Pakistan in the past and was finally given his Test debut in the Test against Ireland. Ashraf made an instant impact by scoring a highly vital 83 in the first-innings after Pakistan were in all sorts of trouble.

    The all-rounder carried that form to the England leg where he chipped in with both bat and ball. He claimed five wickets in all during the three Tests and has given Pakistan a handy fourth seamer option. His ability to make valuable contributions with the bat down the order was pleasing to watch and he could be one player the Pakistan set-up could look to groom as the designated all-rounder for the future.

    Ashraf could fill the all-rounder's void in the Pakistan team.

    Ashraf could fill the all-rounder’s void in the Pakistan team.

    SHADAB KHAN

    Like Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan had played just the sole Test prior to departure for Ireland and England. He was only given this opportunity after an injury to fellow leg-spinner Yasir Shah but young Shadab’s performances on the tour made sure that the senior bowler was hardly missed.

    More than his leg-spin, it was the 19-year-old’s showing with the bat that has found him many new admirers. With three half-centuries in the three Tests, Shadab has shown some genuine all-round credentials which will excite the Pakistan think tank no end.

    The youngster picked up seven wickets in the three Tests but also finished with a 10-wicket haul in Pakistan’s tour match against Northamptonshire. He showed no signs of nerves as a youngster on his first England tour which is always a great sign for a player.

    Shadab Khan was the pick of the bunch from Pakistan's youngsters.

    Shadab Khan was the pick of the bunch from Pakistan’s youngsters.

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