On Thursday, Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali took six wickets in the first innings against Gloucestershire at Old Trafford. The pacer had earlier taken five wickets in his debut for Lancashire. Jimmy Anderson, one of the most successful bowlers in the history of red-ball cricket, is playing in the same team with Hasan Ali in county cricket. That is why Hasan Ali’s achievement has become more important to himself.
Shortly after signing for Lancashire, Hassan said he was too eager to learn swing from the English legend. After being dropped from the England cricket Test team, Anderson returned to the 22 yards with this match. And in that match, by teaming up with him Hasan Ali started with the new ball.
After taking 5 wickets for 94 runs with 11 maidens in 43 overs in the first match against Kent, Hasan Ali took 6 wickets for 47 runs with 6 maidens in 17 overs in the second match against Gloucestershire. After such an achievement, he got applause from the highest wicket-taker in Test history. And this is what touched the Pakistani fast bowler. In a video message after the game, Hasan Ali said that taking five wickets is special for every fast bowler. However, Jimmy Anderson is the reason behind it being special to him. It was a great moment for him to pair up with him and get applause by bowling successfully.
Hasan Ali said, ”Taking five wickets is always something special for a fast bowler. And it’s very special for me, especially to bowl with the great Jimmy brother. I remember, when I was leaving the field, he was clapping for me. Great Jimmy brother was congratulating me on my performance, a great moment. I was a bit nervous to bowl with him, but he supported me and encouraged me. ”