England youngster Rehan Ahmed was surprised to receive a call from England head coach Brendon McCullum to join the squad for the second test of the high-octane Ashes series as a cover for their Primary spinner Moeen Ali in the team. The England veteran spinner injured his finger during the 1st game against Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
The 18-year-old would be the youngest player to take play in the Ashes game since 1877 if manages to break into the playing 11 in place of Moeen Ali, which is highly unlikely as England might continue to play the England Veteran in the Lord’s test, who is known for superior batting in lower order down the order.
Speaking to the media, Rehan Ahmed said that he was surprised by the call from Brendon McCullum, as he wanted him to join the England boys ahead of the second test.
“Baz gave me a call on Friday morning and basically told me I was going to come in and join up with the lads,” Rehan Ahmed said.
Rehan Ahmed is touted to be the next big thing in English Cricket. The 18-year-old has played just one Test match so far, as he picked up 7 wickets in the game, including a brilliant five-fer in the second innings of the match. The youngster can be the x-factor in the side if he is provided with an opportunity to play for England in the next four games.
I Would Never Have Dreamed This, To Be Part Of An Ashes Squad – Rehan Ahmed
Rehan Ahmed was playing Leicestershire in the ongoing T20 Blast in England, where he received the call-up to join England. Speaking on the Call to the England team, the youngster was excited to be part of the side at this stage of his career.
“I would never have dreamed this, to be part of an Ashes squad at my age – at Lord’s as well. I never saw it coming,” Rehan Ahmed added
Rehan Ahmed was in contention to replace Jack Leach in the squad before England went with experienced Moeen Ali in the team /England star all-rounder has taken back his retirement from test cricket and has returned to the squad for the first two tests of the upcoming Ashes after Jack Leach’s back stress fracture ruled him out of the much anticipated Ashes 2023, but could not impact for the Ben Stokes-led side in the 1st test of the Ashes series.