Ahmed Shehzad: “He relies on sheer pace, similar to Jason Gillespie and Waqar Younis. If he gets the right opportunity, he can definitely contribute to the Pakistan team”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Ahmed Shehzad believes up-and-coming fast bowler Akif Javed is similar to legendary speedster Waqar Younis and former Australia quick Jason Gillespie, who currently coaches the Pakistan Test team.
Shehzad pointed out that the 24-year-old “relies on sheer pace” and “can definitely contribute to the Pakistan team” should he earn a call-up.
Javed has been in solid form as of late as he took seven wickets in five matches for the Markhors during the Champions One-Day Cup at an average of 22.
Afterwards, he represented the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) in one game in the President’s Cup Grade-I (1-Day) tournament but went wicketless.
“He relies on sheer pace, similar to Jason Gillespie and Waqar Younis. If he gets the right opportunity, he can definitely contribute to the Pakistan team,” Shehzad was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
The Pakistan team recently faced Bangladesh in a two-Test series and were beaten 2-0.
They are now taking on England in a three-match Test series, which is tied at 1-1.
The third Test will start on October 24 in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan Squad for 2nd and 3rd Tests against England: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah Khan (wicketkeeper), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Hurraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Zahid Mahmood.