Michael Vaughan Backs Naseem Shah And Shaheen Afridi To Emulate Wasim Akram And Waqar Younis

Former English skipper Michael Vaughan has touted the likes of Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi to be the next big thing of Pakistan cricket. Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi will find themselves all in focus in bowler-friendly conditions in the ongoing Test series in England. Michael Vaughan has gone to the extent of stating that the two youngsters could also emulate Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.

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Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah made their first appearances in Test cricket in the past two years only.

However, both have managed to make excellent impressions, claiming 43 wickets between them in 12 Tests. Shaheen Afridi is a left-arm pacer who relies on the swing to make the ball talk while speed is the primary weapon for Naseem Shah, who has also claimed a Test hat-trick.

Michael Vaughan termed the two youngsters as high-class bowlers. With the amount of cricket they are going to play, Vaughan suggested that one might see the rebirth of Wasim and Waqar in the next five years. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis took 787 wickets between them in 191 Tests. They were also integral in Pakistan’s last two-Test series victories in 1992 and 1996.

“They are high class. Particularly that young pair, we are probably talking about the new Wasim and Waqar in five years’ time, with the amount of cricket that they are going to play together,” the 45-year old told Cricbuzz.

Michael Vaughan conceded he was fortunate to see Naseem Shah during his debut and reckoned that Shaheen Shah is climbing from strength to strength. He also talked about Mohammad Abbas’ expertise with the Dukes ball, saying he can move and bring the batsman forward, which is what the conditions demand.

“I was fortunate to see Naseem Shah make his debut and he is high class. He has got a wonderful action. Shaheen Afridi seems to be getting better and better. With the Dukes ball, Mohammad Abbas is going to move it and bring the batsman forward, which is exactly what you require,” Vaughan said.

I understand why Misbah wants to play two spinners against England: Michael Vaughan

Misbah-Ul-Haq and Waqar Younis have already indicated their intentions of playing two spinners in England, considering the slow nature of pitches. Vaughan understands the same but affirmed that Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Abbas are a must in the line-up.

“I understand why Misbah wants to play two spinners against England. Whichever way it goes, you are still going to have Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi,” the Manchester-born added.

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