Australia v Pakistan 2019: 3 young Pakistan fast bowlers to watch out for
Post a drubbing from the T20I series, Pakistan will look to turn their fortunes around when they go head to head against hosts Australia in the opening Test starting at The Gabba in Brisbane. Following the return of Steve Smith and David Warner to the Test fold, the Australian unit looks a revamped one and will start the series as firm favourites.
On the flip side, Pakistan have some impressive and young talented players in their ranks who will be eager to make their mark in the series. Over the years, Pakistan have produced top-quality fast bowlers, and the rookie fast bowlers will look to take the tradition forward. Mohammad Abbas will be leading the pace attack with teenagers Mohammad Musa and Naseem Shah expected to feature in the opening Test match.
With the first Test match just a few hours away, the buzz surrounding talented 16-year-old Naseem Shah has been in focus, and all eyes will be on the youngster when he makes his debut for Pakistan at The Gabba.
With quite a few youngsters set to feature for Pakistan, here's a look three young fast bowlers who can make an impact for the visitors.
Shaheen Afridi
The tall left-arm fast bowler is an impressive prospect for Pakistan and can surely spearhead the pace attack in the future years. He has an abundance of talent which has been on display on several occasions, especially in the shorter formats of the game. Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled brilliantly in the 2019 World Cup and finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker for his side.
Shaheen has been part of Pakistan set up for a couple of years now but is yet to cement his place in the longest format of the match. He has just played in three Tests so far and has bagged 12 wickets.
When on song, Shaheen Afridi bowls with hostility and can trouble the best of batsmen with the swing and purchase he gets off the surface. However, he will have his task cut out against a strong Australian batting line-up.
Mohammad Musa
Mohammad Musa made his international debut during the T20I series against Australia and will look to make his presence felt if he does make his debut tomorrow.
He has made quite a mark in the domestic format, and first burst onto the scene in the Quaid-e- Azam trophy in 2018 with his raw pace. Before making his List A debut, Musa was selected in the Pakistan squad for the 2018 U-19 World Cup.
A youngster who has the ability to trouble batsmen with his raw pace, Musa could hold the key to dismantling Australia's batting order early on, and with the pitch at Brisbane set to assist the seamers, he could be among the wickets.
Naseem Shah
One of the most spoken about cricketers in the recent past, 16-year-old Naseem Shah is a young pacer who has attracted eyeballs with his troubling pace and bounce and is all set to make his debut in the first Test.
Since Naseem's arrival in Australia, all the talk has been about his ability to generate some steep pace and bounce, and also swing the ball late. It won't be an easy Test debut for the 16-year-old and could be in for a stern test against Australia's deep batting lineup. With the opening Test slated to be played in The Gabba, Naseem will be eager to prove a point or two.