England vs Pakistan 2020: Naseem Shah And Shaheen Afridi Might Be The Next Waqar Younis And Wasim Akram – Michael Vaughan
Aug 5, 2020 at 4:06 PM
Pakistan youngster Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi are neither the experienced first-class cricketer nor they have not played many international matches but Michael Vaughan finds future in them. Former England captain has said that the two might be the next Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram for Pakistan cricket team.
Naseem Shah, the 17-year-old pacer, was included in Pakistan’s Test side against Australia series last year in November. He has so far played four Tests and picked 17 wickets, which also include hat-trick.
On the other hand, the 20-year-old Shaheen Afridi has played eight Tests and picked 30 wickets, including three four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul. Everyone had high hopes from the two young guns in the three-match Test series against Pakistan.
Michael Vaughan on Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi’s future:
In the ongoing first Test match, Pakistan has selected Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi in the fast bowling department.
Michael Vaughan seems to be okay with the visitor’s strategy of selecting young players, stating that they are high class.
“I understand why Misbah wants to play two spinners against England. Whichever way it goes, you are still going to have Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi,” Vaughan told Cricbuzz.
Vaughan said that after five years, Nassem and Afridi’s partnership would become like Waqar and Wasim shared during their era. He added that the two youngsters are becoming better and better.
“They are high class. Particularly that young pair, we are probably talking about the new Wasim and Waqar in five years’ time, with the amount of cricket that they are going to play together.
“I was fortunate to see Naseem Shah make his debut and he is high class. He has got a wonderful action. Shaheen Afridi seems to be getting better and better. With the Dukes ball, Mohammad Abbas is going to move it and bring the batsman forward, which is exactly what you require.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan is playing the first Test series since the outbreak of the coronavirus in March. They are currently playing the opening Test of three-match series in Manchester.