Any side losing the likes of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis would be bound to be weaker for their absence.
The pair led Pakistan’s attack for more than a decade, amassing 1,705 wickets between them in Tests and one-day internationals.
But the performances of Shabbir Ahmed and Umar Gul in their first Test series suggests the country’s fast bowling reserves are ready for the challenge of filling the gap.
Wasim called time on his international career after the World Cup, and Waqar found himself sidelined by the selectors in a move intended to accelerate the development of younger talent.
Shoaib Akhtar and rising star Mohammad Sami are seen as the spearheads of the new-look attack, although Sami missed all three Tests against Bangladesh because of an ankle problem and Shoaib only played in the first two.
But in taking 32 wickets between them in the three matches, Shabbir and Gul showed why they are seen as the ideal back-up.
Shabbir’s height, 6ft 4ins, makes him a real handful and the 27-year-old comes from Khanewal, a town close to Burewala, where Waqar started his cricket.
“I remember I watched Waqar’s first match on television and having heard a lot about him, I longed to be like him,” said Shabbir.
His international career, though, came to an abrupt halt when his bowling action was questioned after he made his one-day debut in 1999.
“Waqar told me to have a never-say-die approach and even after my action was questioned, I knew I would come back.”
He did so with the support of West Indian great Michael Holding who helped remodel his action.
Gul’s is a story is one of rags to riches.
Born into a poor family, his home town of Nawae-Kali is better known for producing world-class squash players like Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan and Qamar Zaman.
“Gul is a hard worker.His father couldn’t afford a kit yet he fulfilled his childhood dreams of making a name in cricket,” said Zaman.
Gul made an impact at junior level, when he finished as top wicket-taker in the ICC Youth World Cup in New Zealand last year.
Spotted by former Test bowler Rashid Khan, Gul’s most cherished moment came when he practised along side Wasim for Pakistan International Airlines team.
“I was watching Wasim bowl more than bowling myself and the coach had to remind me that I was not there as a fan but as a player,” he recalled.
Wasim praised Gul as a quick learner, saying: “He has the talent to go places.”
The stage is set for Gul and Shabbir to stake a claim for permanent places.
“Many people believe we can replace the two Ws but its very early to say this. We are here to help the team and may be one day come close to our idols,” they said.
Source: Here.
Its great.