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[VIDEOS] Rehan Ahmed - young England spinner

Loved the video of Nasser giving him his cap, the pride of his father was infectious.

Wish him a fantastic career.
 
Good experience for him. In 3-5 years he'll really be a dangerous bowler if he can slowly improve a few things.
 
Major said:
He picked two wickets, and went for 4 an over. Whats yhe judgement? Better than abrar or close enough?

I remember when yasir and adil rashid played in england.. All the attention was on yasir shah. I remember shane warne didnt really cared for adil rashid, infact no one did. Everyone was going gaga on yasir shah

At the end we saw how yasir shah career didnt go well and adil rashid was able to carve out a career in limited overs.
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Yasirs career didnt go well? 244 test wickets isnt to be sniffed at major Not many leggies in world cricket have such success and rashid certainly hasnt

Rehans has a decent debut for an 18yr old No one expecting him to go through pakistan on the first day wkt Hes done well considering how difficult an art it is to bowl legspin
 
Zaz said:
Yasirs career didnt go well? 244 test wickets isnt to be sniffed at major Not many leggies in world cricket have such success and rashid certainly hasnt

Rehans has a decent debut for an 18yr old No one expecting him to go through pakistan on the first day wkt Hes done well considering how difficult an art it is to bowl legspin
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you are right that he took wickets and did quite decently well, but looking at Yasirs abilities, he had a very high potential. The issue is he never achieved at that mark. He should had atleast, atleast, atleast, crossed Danish Kanerias wicket tally.

Yasir's career was cut. Adil Rashid was not as good, but he was able to carve out a longer career adn that to in limited oer.
 
Played a cavalier tailender’s innings today and lasted barely a few minutes, likely because he had been given the licence to step out and have a hit.

He may be required to bat with more discipline in the second innings, depending on the situation that he comes in to face.
 
I have spent years around spinners and coaches and everything I have learnt and everything I have seen would suggest that he will struggle. But I said before the WC that Argentina had no chance, so let's see if the experts are right or me
 
Chance for some more wickets tomorrow for Rehan.
 
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Early Xmas gifts for Rehan, should enjoy bowling against such garbage batsmen.
 
A debut to remember for him, and he may yet even be needed with the bat as well.
 
Rehan looks decent but perspective needed here, Pakistan will always make a spin bowling debutant look like the next coming of Murali. Anyone who wants to make a debut the best team you can play is Pakistan because they have no clue how to play spin.
 
Mohammad Wasim Jr - 4th scalp for Rehan

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Youngest man ever to take a 5fer in his debut test… well done kiddo :)
 
Ahmed on Babar wicket: I'll bowl better balls!

Rehan Ahmed on the wickets of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan...

"I'll take it! You bowl better balls and don't get wickets so to get him is great. I have been working on my leg-spinner [which dismissed Rizwan] for the last two months so it was nice to get that through".
 
England leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed reflected on a "dream come true" after becoming the youngest man in Test history to take a five-wicket haul on debut.

The Leicestershire bowler, at 18 years and 128 days, dismissed Pakistan captain Babar Azam as well as Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Wasim and Agha Salman on day three of the Karachi Test.

Ahmed, who picked up two wickets in the hosts' first innings on day one, was then promoted to No 3 after England were set 167 to clinch a 3-0 series sweep and went on to strike two dashing boundaries before being bowled by Abrar Ahmed for 10 from eight deliveries.

Speaking to Sky Sports Cricket's Michael Atherton at stumps - after England closed on 112-2 from 17 overs, leaving them needing a further 55 for victory on day four - Ahmed said: "From not bowling in the first session to taking five wickets is a dream come true.

"I was loving it out there anyway, but it was nice to get the ball after three hours. I was warming up for three hours!"

Ahmed was introduced into the attack after lunch and picked up they key scalp of Babar for 54 - when the home skipper pulled a long hop to Ollie Pope at midwicket.

His next wicket of Rizwan for seven, though, came from a peach of a leg-spinner which the Pakistan No 6 snicked behind amid a collapse of 4-14 from 164-3.

Ahmed, the youngest man to play a Test for England, eclipsing Brian Close's record which had stood since 1949 - added: "I'll take [Babar's wicket]. You bowl better balls and don't get wickets so to get him is great. I have been working on my leg-spinner for the last two months so it was nice to get that through.

"Jeets [England spin-bowling coach Jeetan Patel] has been one of my few spin coaches. It has been nice to be working with him for the last few weeks.

"I have watched a lot of Shane Warne and other players, but it is also about feel and not trying to be someone else."

After also accounting for Shakeel (53) and Wasim (2) with googlies, Ahmed wrapped up his five-for, and the Pakistan innings for 216, when he had Salman (21) caught on the sweep.

The bowler proceeded to kiss the turf in celebration as his father, Naeem, celebrated wildly in the crowd.

Ahmed was not done for the day, though - sent out after the dismissal of Zak Crawley (41) as England looked to keep going hard after an opening stand of 87 inside 12 overs between Crawley and Ben Duckett (50no).

Ahmed lofted the first ball he faced over long-off for four and then sent the ninth superbly through extra-cover for another boundary before being bowled on the slog.

On his mindset while batting, the youngster added: "The instructions with the bat were, 'try and finish it tonight!' I think if we had faced another seven overs it would have been quite easy! I should have played straight [to the ball that got me out].

"If we [win 3-0] I think it will be one of the biggest achievements. To come out here in Pakistan's home and do them 3-0 is massive."

SKY
 
Bewal Express said:
I have spent years around spinners and coaches and everything I have learnt and everything I have seen would suggest that he will struggle. But I said before the WC that Argentina had no chance, so let's see if the experts are right or me
Click to expand...

Regardless of the WC final result, I will hand to you, you were right about keeping Sarfraz in the team to ensure Rizwan doesn't stray because it looks like Pakistan needs to swap wicket keepers with how things are going.
 
topspin said:
Regardless of the WC final result, I will hand to you, you were right about keeping Sarfraz in the team to ensure Rizwan doesn't stray because it looks like Pakistan needs to swap wicket keepers with how things are going.
Click to expand...

As soon as Kami got a free ride, his performances dropped off. I still believe in Riz, he has lost a bit of form but having Sarfi around to challenge him will stop him destroying his career.
 
England ruthless, don't pick Rehan for the tour of NZ
 
MenInG said:
England ruthless, don't pick Rehan for the tour of NZ
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Ruthless? Since when would you play a leg spinner in New zealand conditions? One game is a pink ball test as well. Rehan will be seen again during the summer maybe at the oval or Lords (If the wicket is dry).

New Zealand and South Africa away would be the tours i wouldnt expect Rehan to be picked for. He can keep developing in Lions tours and domestically in summer till hes needed during Ashes series.
 
Amjid Javed said:
Ruthless? Since when would you play a leg spinner in New zealand conditions? One game is a pink ball test as well. Rehan will be seen again during the summer maybe at the oval or Lords (If the wicket is dry).

New Zealand and South Africa away would be the tours i wouldnt expect Rehan to be picked for. He can keep developing in Lions tours and domestically in summer till hes needed during Ashes series.
Click to expand...

Basically, not play best team but horses for courses.
 
MenInG said:
Basically, not play best team but horses for courses.
Click to expand...

I think certain players will only play certain series based on the conditions. I think vast majority of the england sqaud will play all the time. Rehan is still only 18 and plenty of other games will come along.
 
Proper player management by ECB not taking him to NZ, rather than the haphazard selection in Pakistan cricket.

Pick players for the right formats and the best conditions for them!
 
Saj said:
Proper player management by ECB not taking him to NZ, rather than the haphazard selection in Pakistan cricket.

Pick players for the right formats and the best conditions for them!
Click to expand...

For Pakistan once you have a preferred XI, they should be able to play anywhere in the world and in any format. This stupid policy has damaged their cricket beyond repair over the years. Pakistan may not have as much talent but their perception of modern cricket is horrid.

If Rehan was playing for Pakistan, he would play the next series against NZ, get smashed to bits and his confidence would be completely shattered and that for a leg spinner is lethal.
 
Picked for the tour of Bangladesh. So not forgotten!
 
Sad that he couldn't make it into the Ashes squad over a retired Moeen Ali, but perhaps it's too soon for such a pressure series.

His time will definitely come, he will be a mainstay for England for many years to come eventually
 
He definitely should have been in the Ashes squad. Far better spinner than Moeen.
 
Included for the second Ashes Test.

Huge opportunity for him, if selected.
 
England's Rehan Ahmed has admitted being part of this week's Ashes squad at Lord's is beyond his wildest dreams.

Ahmed, 18, became the youngest male to play Test cricket for England in December when selected during the Pakistan series and marked his debut with a stunning five-wicket haul in Karachi.

The confidence of the Leicestershire all-rounder has been clear from the outset despite his tender age, but even he conceded his call-up to the group for the second Test on Friday was unexpected despite injury concerns over Moeen Ali.

"It means everything. I would never have dreamed this," Ahmed told England's official Twitter account.

"To be part of an Ashes squad at my age, at Lord's as well, I never saw it coming so it is lovely to be a part of.

"I was actually with my brother when Baz (head coach Brendon McCullum) called me, but my mum and dad found out straight away, and a couple of my friends.

"Baz said I would be joining up with the squad for the next couple of games, well the next four games. Yeah, he was so chilled about it as well but I was on the phone a bit panicky but just happy."

Ahmed joined the group on Sunday and had his first nets session at Lord's a day later.

While Ahmed has never played at the home of cricket, he is familiar with the ground having bowled there to future captain Ben Stokes when he was 11 and impressed the late Shane Warne two years later with his leg-spin.

He added: "Lord's is always a special ground.

"I've never played here before, I've not been on the main pitch either but [I have] good memories from when I was 13, 14 and I net bowled for England as well."

Quizzed on his Ashes memories, Ahmed admitted the first time he fully watched five days of a Test against Australia was the thrilling opener at Edgbaston last week.

With Moeen able to bowl during Monday's training session, Ahmed is not expected to feature at Lord's but made no secret of how much he relishes being part of the environment Stokes and McCullum have created.

"The last game was probably the first time I watched the full Ashes, the full days," Ahmed revealed.

"I was playing a game against Notts for Leicestershire and I was getting drinks every two overs for the score. The last game was unbelievable.

"Baz gave me a call on Friday morning. He basically told me I would come in and join the lads. It was unbelievable.

"I love it. I love being around this new environment that's been created. It is unbelievable."

SKY
 
Eng will have to get Woakes in (maybe for Anderson or Ollie) if they are eplacing Moeen with Rehan.

Tail runs turning out to be critical in this series and will continue to play key role
 
Brought him into the Test squad and then they pick 4 seamers.

Bit of a strange one.
 
If they get another turning track in the series, Rehan is a better option than Moeen.
 
Rehan Ahmed pulls out of Big Bash League stint with Sydney Sixers; leg-spinner joins Harry Brook in skipping tournament; Ahmed and Brook currently with England white-ball team in West Indies ahead of three one-day internationals and five T20 internationals.

England leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has withdrawn from his Big Bash League stint with Sydney Sixers.

The 19-year-old, currently out in the West Indies with England ahead of three one-day internationals and five T20 internationals, was due to make his BBL debut this winter.

Ahmed was acquired by Sixers in the competition draft and was set to play alongside fellow Englishmen James Vince and Tom Curran in a tournament.

Sky Sports
 
Great talent. He's the heir to Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali, potentially combining their greatest strengths into one package.

He will lock down the #7 spot for England in every format for the next decade at least, InshaAllah.
 
Teenage sensation Rehan Ahmed's younger brother Farhan set to be named in England squad for the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa

Rehan Ahmed might be England’s youngest player across all international formats - but he is not even the most precocious cricketer in his family.

Teenager Ahmed, the standout performer for the tourists with two for 40 in Sunday’s opening one-day defeat to West Indies, will be trumped on Tuesday when his 15-year-old brother Farhan is named in England’s squad for next month’s Under-19 World Cup.

The Nottinghamshire off-spinner will miss a month of his GCSE year to play in the tournament in South Africa, which finishes three weeks before his 16th birthday.

‘He’s very excited. He bowls a lot of dot balls, so he’ll be quite boring, but no, I’m very happy for him,’ Ahmed said of his junior sibling.

‘He's very young and to be picked for such a big thing, it's an unbelievable achievement. He’s actually at school right now doing his physics test!’

Twelve months ago, Leicestershire leg-spinner Ahmed took the title of England’s youngest Test cricketer off Brian Close when he debuted with a five-wicket haul in Pakistan and was still 18 when he appeared in one-day and Twenty20 series in Bangladesh.

But Farhan, who already has seven 50-over and one Test caps for England’s Under-19 team, could pip him if he maintains his current rate of progress through the ranks.



www.dailymail.co.uk

Rehan Ahmed's brother Farhan set to be named in England U19 squad

Rehan Ahmed might be England's youngest player across all international formats - but he is not even the most precocious cricketer in his family.
www.dailymail.co.uk www.dailymail.co.uk
 
He bowled a 110 kph googly yesterday . And it actually turned and spin with quite a bite .

Problem is , a lot of spinners who start off bowling high speeds and looking to turn the ball end up with back injuries .

I hope it doesn't happen to this lad . He's a fine talent and should replace Adil permanently after the World T20.
 
In the 2nd ODI against England Rehan Ahmed bowled economical 10 overs in which he conceded just 40 runs and took 2 wickets.

This guy is going to be the best spinner for England after Graeme Swann.
 
I realise all the English spinners took some tap but Rehan is nowhere near a fully formed Test spinner yet.

Bowled so many half trackers and couldn't sustain any pressure on India's batsmen.
 
In India you need a bowler like Kumble or Rashid Khan, someone who is a bit quick, doesn't spins the ball much, bowls wicket to wicket, googly, top spinners.
 
Rehan fast- becoming go to guy for England!

2 wickets now

WICKET! Bharat c Bashir b Rehan 17 - India 330-6​

 
Rehan Ahmed says Ben Stokes is the reason for spinners' success in India

England's young spinners are flourishing in India because of Ben Stokes' leadership, says Rehan Ahmed.

Despite only playing one Test between them before the tour, Ahmed, Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir have a combined 26 wickets after two Tests.

They have more wickets than India's experienced line-up, despite coming up against some of the best batters in the world in their own conditions.

"That just shows how great the team environment is," said Ahmed, 19.

"Tommy and Bash, you've seen them come in and not be nervous and that's credit to the team.

"The environment and the leadership we have, it does make you kind of forget the players you are playing against - we just focus on what we need to do.

"They [Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum] just don't care about how bad things can go. It's always about what good you can get out of it.

"So if I bowl four bad balls and get a wicket, that's better than bowling 16 good balls in a row."

Ahmed has eight wickets in the series, with 24-year-old Hartley taking 14 and Bashir, 20, four.

The series is level at 1-1 with three to play, starting with the third Test in Rajkot on 15 February.

Ahmed also highlighted the time Stokes gave himself and team-mate Bashir - who are both practising Muslims - time off for Friday prayers as an example of his astute man-management.

"I remember a time in Abu Dhabi where there was a team day out on a Friday," said Ahmed. "We had Friday prayers. Obviously me and Bash [Bashir] were there. I messaged Wayno [Wayne Bentley], the team manager, asking if we could miss this day because we needed to pray.

"Stokes messaged me straight away and said 'come to me whenever you want about this kind of stuff, I understand it fully'. And yes he's stuck by his word.

"Every time I pray he is so respectful, very understanding. Everyone is on this tour."

On the field, one of the reasons for the form of England's young spin attack is the performance of wicketkeeper Ben Foakes.

Foakes has taken six catches and two stumpings and Ahmed believes the Surrey man is among the best in the world.

He was dropped for last summer's Ashes but returned to the side for the India series, with Jonny Bairstow playing as a specialist batter.

"I have never seen anyone as good as him," said Ahmed. "I reckon he is the best keeper in the world, ever."

All three of Ahmed's Test appearances have been alongside Foakes, having made his debut against Pakistan in Karachi in December 2022.

"He trains so hard. I just don't see him miss a ball. I can't even explain how good he is," added leg-spinner Ahmed.

"A couple of those catches [in the second Test] he took 80-90 overs into the game. It's very hot, it's humid and he is still taking those types of catches."

Source: BBC Sport

www.bbc.com

Stokes reason for young spinners' success - Ahmed

England's young spinners are flourishing in India because of Ben Stokes' leadership, says Rehan Ahmed.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
FearlessRoar said:
Ahmed also highlighted the time Stokes gave himself and team-mate Bashir - who are both practising Muslims - time off for Friday prayers as an example of his astute man-management.

"I remember a time in Abu Dhabi where there was a team day out on a Friday," said Ahmed. "We had Friday prayers. Obviously me and Bash [Bashir] were there. I messaged Wayno [Wayne Bentley], the team manager, asking if we could miss this day because we needed to pray.

"Stokes messaged me straight away and said 'come to me whenever you want about this kind of stuff, I understand it fully'. And yes he's stuck by his word.

"Every time I pray he is so respectful, very understanding. Everyone is on this tour."
Click to expand...

Excellent to read this.
 
James said:
Excellent to read this.
Click to expand...

He got Stokes out when he was 13 years old and is now captained by him, crazy.

All logic in theory would defy his selection, but even Shane Warne saw something in him. And a young leg spinner especially, couldn’t hope for a better leader, no spinner’s rely more on confidence then wrist spinners.

England are taking a risk with Joe Blogs XI, but they’re lead by one of the best skippers in cricket since Imran Khan imo
 
Markhor said:
I realise all the English spinners took some tap but Rehan is nowhere near a fully formed Test spinner yet.

Bowled so many half trackers and couldn't sustain any pressure on India's batsmen.
Click to expand...

He is bound to get smashed a bit, nature of the beast that is a leggie. It feels weird to suggest the 17 or 18 year old was acclimatising to the conditions and red ball cricket during the first Test lol he was a lot better in the 2nd game.

As much as I miss the mystery spinner, us taking a hard stance on dodgy actions has been a blessing when it comes to encouraging leg spin because historically in England we’re afraid to bowl it even during the Sundays leagues.
 
If a homegrown legspinner could somehow become a mainstay in the England Test team then that might just be revolutionary for spin bowling in this country, and it would be fantastic to watch.

Legspinners invariably get compared to Shane Warne, unfairly because he was so good, but he was always the first to say that he had a tough baptism to his career, that he felt the nerves and bowled some buffet balls.

England and Stokes will have to hold their nerve. For what it’s worth Rehan has had a decent enough start, 15 wickets in 3 Tests at 28.5.
 
James said:
If a homegrown legspinner could somehow become a mainstay in the England Test team then that might just be revolutionary for spin bowling in this country, and it would be fantastic to watch.

Legspinners invariably get compared to Shane Warne, unfairly because he was so good, but he was always the first to say that he had a tough baptism to his career, that he felt the nerves and bowled some buffet balls.

England and Stokes will have to hold their nerve. For what it’s worth Rehan has had a decent enough start, 15 wickets in 3 Tests at 28.5.
Click to expand...

Warne wasn’t good enough for Accrington Cricket Club at one point!

‘Accrington CC - Who are they?’ 😅
 
It appears England will be without Rehan not just for this Test, but for the remainder of the tour.

------------------------------------

A statement from the England camp this morning:

"Rehan Ahmed will return home for personal reasons with immediate effect from England Men's Test tour of India.

"He will not be returning to India. England will not be replacing Ahmed for the rest of the tour."
 
England offspinner-allrounder Moeen Ali, during an interview with a sports channel, said:

"It is very difficult. He is a talented young player in England that everyone is talking about. There is big hype around him. They are used to this in India. They have seen become unbelievable players. They have seen people fail completely and go off the rails. Rehan will get the backing from Stokesy. He has, already. We know it will take time. They are prepared to give them as much time [as they deserve]. As long as he is doing well, Rehan will naturally take over from Adil Rashid in the white-ball formats. There's no doubt that Rehan will come good. There is a bit of pressure. He has a good head on his shoulders. He will be fine."
 

Ahmed out to repay Leics for allowing trip to Mecca​


England spin bowler Rehan Ahmed says he is determined to repay Leicestershire for allowing him to miss games this season to complete a religious journey to Mecca.

The 19-year-old was given two weeks off to embark on Umrah, a pilgrimage to the holy city in Saudi Arabia.

Ahmed, who is the youngest male cricketer to play for England in all formats of the game, said both his county and national team bosses supported the solo trip.

“Leaving Leicestershire for two weeks and coming straight back into the team is a privilege,” he told BBC Radio Leicester.

“Whenever I do play, I try give as much as I can and I respect them a lot for allowing me to go.”

Ahmed has previously spoken about how important his Muslim faith is and how it has kept him humble after a record-breaking rise to the international stage.

He says religion has kept him "calm in big moments" on the pitch, and that it has "only put me in a better place".

"I realised cricket is not everything," Ahmed said.

"I love it, but it's not everything, and religion is always bigger. And there are always bigger things than cricket - it's taught me to be relaxed when I play."

Ahmed said he had previously made the pilgrimage to Mecca with his brother and cousins, but his latest journey was made alone.

"I love it there, it's so peaceful - it's like my happy place," Ahmed said.

"Every time I have the opportunity, I always want to go back and I reckon that is the only place where I’d skip cricket for."

Ahmed was part of England's Test team that toured India during the British winter, and took 11 wickets in three matches before leaving because of an urgent family matter.

He has featured in three of Leicestershire's five County Championship Division Two matches so far this term, claiming four wickets and producing a knock of 85 in their draw against Northamptonshire.


BBC
 
This guy finally gets a go in the 3rd match against Pakistan. England chose 3 spinners and are expecting a spin-friendly track in Pindi.

Rehan is a good spinner and I think it was a good choice but it is only going to work if the pitch is supporting spinner.
 
BouncerGuy said:
This guy finally gets a go in the 3rd match against Pakistan. England chose 3 spinners and are expecting a spin-friendly track in Pindi.

Rehan is a good spinner and I think it was a good choice but it is only going to work if the pitch is supporting spinner.
Click to expand...
This decision is paying off well for England. He has 3 wickets till now.

What a magnificent spell of bowling from Rehan Ahmed, as he bamboozles the batters with his ability to turn the ball both ways.
 
Sky Sports' Nasser Hussain:

"There were four wickets in that session and you'd think England are bossing it but actually Pakistan tried to grind out a score,

"Shan Masood is looking to get as close as possible to England and if not go past them and the way they're going to do that is by playing and occupying the crease, slightly different to the way England went about it with Atkinson and Smith.

"I thought it was a fascinating session because Pakistan were going well and then Stokes played his trump card with Rehan Ahmed.

"He bowled beautifully. Those three wickets were classic Rehan dismissals because he's not a big turner of the ball, he brings lbw into play.

"He got Rizwan who tried to go after him.

"His control was immaculate and Stokes held him back just at the right time."
 
Actually Jamal played him ok until well he didn’t. And Noman is not concerned in the slightest.

Rehan is a fabulous bowler but I’ve getting worried Pak are going to gift wickets worrying too much about trying to either take him on or become sitting ducks. Noman and Saud just playing normal cricket shots are all that’s needed to tire him out and he will start bowling pies. I think they are already picking the googly which over spins
 
Rehan Ahmed took crucial wickets in just 17.4 overs for his side in the 1st innings of the third Test against Pakistan, securing bowling figures of 4/66.
 

Test is 'still level', says England spinner Ahmed​


England leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed says the third and deciding Test in Pakistan is "still level" despite the tourists losing three wickets late on the second day.

Saud Shakeel’s sublime century took Pakistan to 344, a lead of 77, before spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan left England 24-3, 53 behind in Rawalpindi.

"Obviously having three down is not ideal," Ahmed told Test Match Special. "We've got so much batting in the locker room.

"The momentum is with them at the moment but hopefully we can soak it up a bit tomorrow, put it back on them and try to get a lead."

Ahmed took three wickets on Friday morning to leave Pakistan 177-7, still 90 behind England's first-innings 267.

But Shakeel added 88 with Noman and another 72 with Sajid to give Pakistan a vital advantage.

In fading light, Sajid trapped Ben Duckett leg before, then Noman had Zak Crawley lbw and Ollie Pope caught at slip.

England at least have the benefit of bowling last on a pitch that was dried with fans and heaters before the Test began, though the tourists will need runs on Saturday to make it count.

Asked about the state of the game, Ahmed said: "It's still level, isn't it?"

The 20-year-old, who finished with 4-66 in his first Test since February, added: "As a batting group having three down is never part of the plan.

"At one stage it looked like we could've got them just before they got a lead but it's cricket, things happen quickly."

England were ground down by Shakeel in the afternoon session, the left-hander taking advantage of some questionable tactics from the visitors.

The tourists spread the field, alleviating pressure on Shakeel, who accepted the singles on offer. He took 70 singles in his first 100 runs, a record in the era such data has been recorded.

England also ignored the pace of Gus Atkinson until they had bowled 15 overs with the second new ball and it was Atkinson who eventually removed Shakeel. Captain Ben Stokes did not bowl himself at all.

The struggle to remove Noman and Sajid also continued a poor record against tailenders during Stokes' time as captain.

"Saud Shakeel batted very well," said Ahmed. "He batted time and stuck to his method.

"When Saud Shakeel took the singles, they weren't the balls we wanted to bowl. If we bowled our best ball every time, we wouldn't go for singles. We tried to stop his scoring options."

Shakeel made his fourth Test century and said taking singles is his "strength".

He added: "When you score a hundred you are really pleased. At the same time we got a good, handsome lead, so that is the most satisfying thing.

"It’s evenly poised. We have the slight upper hand but we have to see what happens tomorrow. We still have to bowl well and hopefully won’t have a big target."

www.bbc.com

Pakistan v England: Rehan Ahmed says third Test is 'still level'

England leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed says the third and deciding Test in Pakistan is "still level" despite the tourists losing three wickets late on the second day.
www.bbc.com
 
Rehan Ahmed is smashed by India A batters in 1st unofficial test between India A vs England lions.

25 over 121 runs 0 wickets.

:kp
 
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