Joe Root’s England were on the receiving end of one of cricket’s biggest upsets in recent times when the much maligned and inexperienced West Indies squad produced a powerhouse performance to win the second Test at Headingley by five wickets.
It seems the Englishmen want to leave no stone unturned when it comes to preparation for the final Test against the men from the Caribbean starting at Lord’s on September 7.
In the final run up to the Test series finale, there will be a unique ambidextrous bowler hurling it down towards the English batsmen in the nets.
Yasir Jan, a 22-year-old quick from Peshawar in Pakistan, had caught the eyes of many with his ability to generate serious pace from either arm during a talent hunt organized by Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchisee Lahore Qalanders, supervised by former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed.
So outrageous are his unique talents that the PSL franchisee Lahore Qalanders signed him on a 10-year developmental contract after his eye-catching performance in the talent-hunt.
Jan’s unique talent saw him snapped up on a 10-year developmental contract with Lahore Qalanders.
It is reported that the Jan can generate a pace of 145 kph with his right arm and 135 kmph with his left.
The 22-year-old has a chest-on action in the mould of South Africa pacer Dale Steyn. It is no surprise that the Proteas bowler is one of the unique bowler’s inspirations alongside Pakistan greats like Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram.
Yasir is currently training in England as part of the MCC’S World Cricket Committee’s endeavour to aid the development of cricket in Pakistan.
He has been training at Lord’s along with the other MCC Young Cricketers and has been playing for Watford Town Cricket Club in the Saracens Hertfordshire Cricket League.
A special talent no doubt, it will be interesting to see how the likes of Root and Alastair Cook face up to Jan’s unique skills.
