England teenager Rehan Ahmed has admitted being a part of this week’s Ashes squad at Lord’s is past his wildest goals.
Ahmed, 18, grew to become the youngest man to play Test cricket for England in December when chosen through the Pakistan collection and marked his debut with a shocking five-wicket haul in Karachi.
The confidence of the Leicestershire allrounder has been clear from the outset regardless of his tender age, however even he conceded his call-up to the group for the second Test on Friday was surprising regardless of damage issues over Moeen Ali.
“It means everything. I would never have dreamed this,” Ahmed instructed England’s official Twitter account.
“To be part of an Ashes squad at my age, at Lord’s as well, I never saw it coming so it is lovely to be a part of.
“I used to be really with my brother when Baz (head coach Brendon McCullum) known as me, however my mum and pa came upon right away, and a few my associates.
“Baz said I would be joining up with the squad for the next couple of games, well the next four games. Yeah, he was so chilled about it as well but I was on the phone a bit panicky but just happy.”
Ahmed joined the group on Sunday and had his first nets session at Lord’s a day later.
While Ahmed has by no means performed on the dwelling of cricket, he’s accustomed to the bottom having bowled there to future captain Ben Stokes when he was 11 and impressed the late Shane Warne two years later together with his leg-spin.
He added: “Lord’s is always a special ground.
“I’ve by no means performed right here earlier than, I’ve not been on the principle pitch both however (I’ve) good recollections from once I was 13, 14 and I internet bowled for England as effectively.”
Quizzed on his Ashes memories, Ahmed admitted the first time he fully watched five days of a Test against Australia was the thrilling opener at Edgbaston last week.
With Moeen able to bowl during Monday’s training session, Ahmed is not expected to feature at Lord’s but made no secret of how much he relishes being part of the environment Stokes and McCullum have created.
“The final recreation was most likely the primary time I watched the total Ashes, the total days,” Ahmed revealed.
“I used to be taking part in a recreation in opposition to Notts for Leicestershire and I used to be getting drinks each two overs for the rating. The final recreation was unbelievable.
“Baz gave me a call on Friday morning. He basically told me I would come in and join the lads. It was unbelievable.
“I adore it. I really like being round this new atmosphere that is been created. It is unbelievable.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
