London, May 5 (TNS): Pakistan’s 19-year-old leg spinner Shadab Khan produced a splendid performance against Northamptonshire on Friday, as he bamboozled their batting order by taking six wickets on the first day of the warm-up game.
The Islamabad United famed Leg spinner took 6-77 in 19 overs, as Northamptonshire posted a total to 259 on the first day of the four-day Test.
Northamptonshire Batsman Adam Rossington scored 90 runs to guide his side towards a formidable total but was eventually stumped by Sarfraz Ahmed, on Shadab’s menacing delivery.
This was the teenager’s ninth first-class test match and his six-for was his best ever performance at this level.
Previously the youngster career best came in 2016, a brilliant display of 5-82 for Pakistan-A side.
Shadab proved in the preceding warm-up game against Kent that he is capable of turn and bounce in English conditions and can cause havoc for the English batsmen.
The jubilated leg-spinner said, “I’m very happy because it’s my second first-class five-for, “I’m the only spinner, Yasir has performed very well for Pakistan. Now I get a chance for the Test team and I wanted to grab that chance.”
It’s is likely that seam bowling will be preferred and also effective in English conditions but the sharp turn Shadab possess both ways is a unique trait in his armoury and can be utilized when the time comes.
It is yet to be seen whether Pakistan’s rising star adds to the only Test cap he earned in Barbados last year.
Pakistan will face Ireland after this warm-up game in Malahide on Friday next week.
