Naseem Shah: “I have always been inspired and encouraged by watching videos of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar”

Image courtesy of: Pakistan Cricket Board

Naseem Shah, highly regarded as the next big thing in Pakistan cricket, has revealed that he gets “inspired and encouraged” when watching videos of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar.

Naseem was picked for the two-Test series against Australia, which will take place from November 21 to December 3, and aims to make his presence felt at the international level.

The 16-year-old has claimed 17 wickets in five first-class games at an average of 18.70. He went wicketless in the one List A match he played and has picked up two wickets in three Twenty20s at an average of 51.50.

“[My] inclusion in the national team is the realisation of a dream; all professional cricketers aspire the same and work hard day-in-day-out. Bowling coach Waqar Younis has asked me to bowl on my strengths and that is exactly what I will aim to do in Australia,” he was quoted as saying by PakPassion. “I have always been inspired and encouraged by watching videos of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar. I aim to make an impression with my speed and swing if given a chance in the Tests against Australia.

“The conditions in Australia help fast-bowlers, my aim is to make maximum use of the conditions and give a tough time to the home side, playing on hard and bouncy pitches will be a great experience and a learning curve for me.”