The cricket of English summer has been top-notch so far with England and Australia giving plenty of moments to remember while they clashed in the first Test of the Ashes 2023 series. With the visitors gaining a 1-0 lead over the hosts, there have been many ‘ifs and buts’ going on regarding the roles of a few players from either of the sides. In the same vein, one such discussion has been the return of England all-rounder and off-spinner, Moeen Ali. Notably, Ali could not make much of an impact for his side in the first Test. The major reason for it has been his bowling with a bursting blister during the match.
Now, it still remains to be seen if the England skipper Ben Stokes will ask him to carry on playing despite the pain Ali has been baring through to deliver for the home side. However, in an interesting move, the hosts have asked the teen leg spin sensation, Rehan Ahmed, to join the squad. The move got confirmed after England Cricket posted on their handle informing that the youngster has been added to their squad. Hence, it seems very likely that Ali may make way for him for the second Ashes Test which is to be played at the iconic Lord’s ground.
Interestingly enough, the young Rehan Ahmed had a legend’s backing when he was a mere 13-year-old kid and showed his bowling skills and impressed everyone. Yes! This legend was none other than the late great Australian leg spin wizard, Shane Warne. In a video which has resurfaced on social media, it can be seen that the legend made a bold prediction for Ahmed.
“That’s awesome, man. Really, really good. I’m going to keep a close eye on you. I think I’m going to be commentating on you very soon. I think you will be playing first-class cricket by the age of 15,” Warne was heard saying to Ahmed in the video.
The King Shane Warne knew. Rehan Ahmed.
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— M (@anngrypakiistan) June 23, 2023
It is worth mentioning that the great Shane Warne was known for having a big heart for young talents and always backed and supported them in every way possible to realise their dreams. Moreover, he was always keen to pass his cricketing wisdom to any youngster who approached him to learn from the legendary figure. Unfortunately, the Australian legend passed away while holidaying in Thailand, back in March 2022.
Rehan Ahmed is on the verge of becoming the youngest player to play in The Ashes
The Australian legend Shane Warne had a genius for recognising the far-sighted talent in youngsters. This holds so true that when Rehan Ahmed had not even played First Class cricket, the legend predicted he will go the mile. And here we are with the young leggie on the brink of scripting history should he gets to play in the second Ashes Test against Australia. If that happens then Ahmed will become the youngest player to have played in the coveted tournament, after Brian Close who marked his debut appearance in 1950 at Melbourne.
Notably, Rehan Ahmed made his List A debut at just 16 years old and went on to become the youngest male cricketer at the age of 18 to represent England at the international level. He made his international debut against Pakistan in December last year. If that wasn’t enough, Ahmed also hold the equivalent record for the limited-over formats as well.
He clearly saw something special in that 13-year-old leg spinner and his predictions were not far wrong.
Ahmed made his List A debut at 16 and became the youngest male player to make a Test debut for England.
He was 18 when he played for England against Pakistan in December. Impressing everyone, the young Ahmed took seven wickets in the match which also included a five-wicket haul and conceded just 48 runs for the feat in the second innings.