Almost Every country at one point in time has had a world class leg spinner in their ranks. India had Anil Kumble, Pakistan had Mushtaq Ahmed, South Africa have Imran Tahir, and Australia had the Legendary Shane Warne. England still hasn’t had any world class leg spinner in their team, and their search seems to be on forever now. However, it may too soon to say, but a 13-year-old Rehan Ahmed could be England’s answer in the coming years.
MCC has invited Rehan to bowl to the West Indies and England players at the home of cricket. In fact, Rehan is considered as an exceptional talent that he has now bowled at the England players for two consecutive years at Lords.
The MCC have high hopes from the teen and want him to prosper in future. Head coach of MCC Steve Kirby said:
“He is an exceptional, precocious talent, and one we should nurture and not over-coach.”
Rehan has been associated with Nottinghamshire since the age of eight. The 13-year-old has already played for the Nottinghamshire U-17’s. The journey started for Rehan when his father Naeem Ahmed took him for trials.
Rehan was spotted by England’s spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed when he was passing by the nets and saw Rehan bowling. Mushtaq who bowled leg breaks himself for Pakistan was very impressed by the young teen, stopped by and followed Rehan very closely. Naeem said, “Mushtaq Ahmed (the ex-England spin coach) was just walking past the nets last summer and when he saw Rehan bowl, he stopped in his tracks. He came to watch and was obviously very impressed.”
England are hopeful that one day Rehan plays for England and complete their search for a world class leg spinner.