Rehan Ahmed, who will be 18 years old and 126 days when he plays for England against Pakistan in Karachi, is one of two changes made to the tourists’ starting lineup as they attempt to sweep the series 3-0. Will Jacks and James Anderson also make way, and wicketkeeper Ben Foakes also enters the lineup.
In the county championship and Royal Oneday Cup, Rehan plays for Lancashire and has been a pretty successful operator out there. He will be 18 years and 126 days old when he will make debut for England against Pakistan. Before him, the record of being youngest player to feature for England team belonged to Brian Close who was 18 years and 149 days old when he made his debut for England against New Zealand in 1949.
Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes are looking for a historical clean sweep against Pakistan. They have brought two strategic changes in playing 11 knowing that this could be their ninth victory in ten games.
In the team, Rehan Ahmed will come in place of James Anderson who did a wonderful job in two matches he played. The other change will be off spinner all rounder Will Jacks who will make place for full time permanent wicketkeeper Ben Foakes.
🚨 INTRODUCING ENGLAND’S YOUNGEST EVER MEN’S TEST PLAYER 🚨
Rehan Ahmed will make his Test debut for England tomorrow in Karachi 👏#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/GYyTqxWeG0
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) December 16, 2022
Speaking on the drafting in of Ahmed, who has played just three first-class games in his career, Ben Stokes said: “Having a wrist-spinner is always exciting, especially for England.
“But it’s about not getting too carried away with the potential that he has because he is only young. You’ve still got to nurture talent, no matter how exciting it is.”
“I think it’s a good opportunity for us to not only look at him but for him to come in and experience what it’s like to play international cricket.
“We obviously brought him in to try and get him amongst us and experience what it’s like being in this cricket team and we’ve been very impressed with what we’ve seen.
“He’s got a lot of skill with both bat and ball, so it’s great to be able to bring someone with the talent and the excitement that he has into the squad and see what he’s got.
Rehan Ahmed pulled up a five-wicket haul and made a century while playing for Leicestershire against Derbyshire in the County Championship in September. Ahmed collected 12 wickets as the England Under-19s advanced to the World Cup final in the West Indies earlier this year.
In addition, Ahmed made five appearances for Southern Brave during The Hundred and participated in a red-ball cricket match for England Lions versus South Africa.