Here's how fans reacted to Naseem Shah's age mystery
What's the story
Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah has created history by becoming the youngest debutant on Australian soil. As he looks to claim the maiden wicket of his Test career, the youngster's age has drawn a considerable amount of attention. While his current age is 16 as per cricketing records, Pakistani journalist Saj Sadiq's tweet of referencing Naseem as 17-year-old has drawn a debate. Here is more.
17-year-old Naseem!
Sadiq had referred Naseem as 17-year-old a year back
It was in December last year when Sadiq had tweeted regarding Naseem's injury ahead of the PSL and had referred to him as 17-year-old. "Highly rated 17-year-old pace bowler Nasim Shah who was signed by Quetta Gladiators for the Pakistan Super League has suffered a back injury. He is back in training and hopes to be fit for PSL4," Sadiq had posted on Twitter.
Twitter Post
A 17-year-old Naseem!
Highly rated 17 year old pace bowler Nasim Shah who was signed by Quetta Gladiators for the Pakistan Super League has suffered a back injury. He is back in training and hopes to be fit for PSL4 #Cricket #PSL4
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) December 1, 2018
Information
Mohammad Kaif wonders if Naseem is aging backwards
In the context of Naseem's age, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif referenced Sadiq's tweet and wondered how was Naseem aging backward, besides hailing the youngster as a 'terrific prospect'. "Looks a terrific prospect. But is 16 now, aging backwards i think," wrote Kaif on Twitter.
Twitter Post
Kaif baffled by Naseem aging backward
Looks a terrific prospect. But is 16 now, aging backwards i think https://t.co/frlg06ZIFk
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 22, 2019
Afridi reminder
Pakistani fans reminded of Afridi following Naseem's age mystery
Meanwhile, after Kaif pointed it out, Pakistani fans immediately went on to express the fact that even Afridi's age was a mystery during his playing days. As per cricketing records, Afridi is 1980 born and is currently aged 39. However, Afridi corrected it in his autobiography, stating that he is 1975 born and is currently aged 44. Here's how Twitter reacted to Naseem's age:
Twitter Post
Afridi's age still remains a mystery?
same case as afridi whose real age is still mystery for cricket fans.
— Bhuwan Singh Manral (@Bhuwan84_manral) November 22, 2019
Twitter Post
Afridi playing disguised as Naseem!
he is shahid afridi. just wearing mask.#AUSvPAK
— Rahul prakash singh (@Rahulprakashsi3) November 22, 2019
Match report
How has the match panned out so far?
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan were bundled out for 240, courtesy Mitchell Starc's 4/52, while Asad Shafiq scored 76. In reply, Australia are off to a terrific start, with openers David Warner and Joe Burns putting up a 222-run stand. Currently, Australia are 312/1, with Warner unbeaten on 151 and Marnus Labuschagne unbeaten on 55.
Records scripted
Some records scripted in the Test so far
222 - It is the fourth-highest opening partnership in Brisbane, while it is also the second-highest partnership between Warner and Burns on this ground. Warner's 22nd Test century was his first in 18 innings, fourth in Brisbane, 16th while playing in Australia and fourth against Pakistan. Naseem is also the sixth youngest Pakistani to make his Test debut and the ninth-youngest of all-time.