‘I think you will be playing first class cricket’: Late Australian legend Shane Warne tipped Rehan Ahmed for the top at just 13, with teenage spin star now poised to become England’s youngest Test player EVER
- Shane Warne praised Rehan Ahmed after the leg spinner impressed him aged 13
- The late Australian legend claimed Ahmed could play first class cricket by 15
- Ahmed is set to become England’s youngest male Test cricketer tomorrow
- The leg spinner will line up against Pakistan at 18 years and 126 days old
Footage of late Australian great Shane Warne praising a 13-year-old Rehan Ahmed has been highlighted again, following confirmation the leg spinner will become England’s youngest men’s Test cricketer.
England captain Ben Stokes has confirmed the selection of Ahmed for tomorrow’s third and final test against Pakistan in Karachi.
The Leicestershire leg-spinner will become England’s youngest Test player at the age of 18 years and 126 days.
Rehan Ahmed will become England’s youngest men’s Test cricketer when he faces Pakistan
Ahmed will be 23 days younger than Brian Close was when he was first chosen, against New Zealand at Old Trafford in 1949.
The leg-spinner earned high praise in a heartwarming video when aged just 13, after impressing Warne when bowling in the nets.
‘That’s awesome man, really, really good,’ said Warne, who took 708 Test wickets during his legendary career.
‘I will be keeping a close eye on you, I think we will be commentating on you very soon.
‘I think you will be playing first class cricket by the age of 15.’
Legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne took 708 Test wickets during his career
Ahmed will make his debut in Karachi as England seek to whitewash Pakistan on home turf
The late Australian legend’s praise for Ahmed appears to have been justified with confirmation of his selection for England.
Warne died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 52 in March, while he was holidaying in Thailand.
The third test against Pakistan will be Ahmed’s fourth first class match of his fledgling career, with his first coming back in May.
Ahmed had been part of the England team which reached the final of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup earlier this year.
The teenager comes into the side for Will Jacks, with Ben Foakes returning as wicketkeeper after missing the first two Tests.
England have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series and could become the first touring team to whitewash Pakistan on home turf should they triumph in the third Test.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk