Former England captain Nasser Hussain praised Pakistan’s 21-year-old fast bowler Razaullah for bringing pace and a point of difference to the attack during Day 1 of the third Test against England at Edgbaston, after the debutant claimed two wickets on a difficult opening day for the visitors.
“Pakistan have been calling out for something different from their bowlers for a long while,” Hussain told Sky Sports. Razaullah, one of seven additions to Pakistan’s squad after their heavy defeat at Lord’s, made an immediate impression despite having only eight first-class appearances before being handed his Test debut.
Razaullah also accounted for opener Emilio Gay as England closed the day on 156/4, giving Pakistan a rare positive from an otherwise difficult opening day. Coming here this morning, winning the toss, putting Pakistan in to bat, bowling them out for 130-odd – we’re in a really strong position,” Tongue said at stumps.
“It is nice to watch that spell from Razaullah that had something, that had a point of difference, had some pace,” Hussain said. With the hosts holding the advantage at stumps, Tongue said England had put themselves in a strong position to push for a series sweep. The right-armer’s most notable breakthrough came when he dismissed Joe Root, England’s captain and one of the most accomplished batters of his generation. Razaullah’s spell came after England’s pace attack had dismantled Pakistan for a modest first-innings score. Josh Tongue led the hosts’ bowling effort with four wickets, while England’s other quicks also made early inroads. “Really pleased with the day.
