Rookie leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed became the youngest player to represent England in Test cricket, as he made his debut against Pakistan in the Karachi Test.
The 18-year-old, who only played three first-class games, removed in-form Saud Shakeel for 23 on day-one of the third Test being played at the National Bank Cricket Arena on Saturday.
His father Nadeem Ahmed, who was present in the team huddle when the teenager got his maiden cap from former England captain Nasser Hussain, was over the moon when he claimed his maiden wicket.
“It is exciting, I’m feeling proud that Allah has given us the opportunity to see my son making his debut,” said Nadeem while interacting with media on the sidelines.
Moreover, in the short interaction, he went on to reveal Rahan’s cricketing role models stating that his son follows Australian great Shane Warne for bowling and started batting after watching England legend Kevin Pietersen.
“My son wants to play cricket and that is his goal,” he concluded.
Rehan is currently 18 years and 126 days old, which makes him the youngest ever to play a Test match for England.
The record was previously held by Yorkshire’s Brian Close, who was 18 years and 149 days old when he made his Test debut for England against New Zealand in 1949.