Former Australian cricketer Shaun Tait recently praised the emerging Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah, highlighting his ability to swing the ball in both directions. Tait emphasized the significance of this skill, as it poses a challenge for batsmen who struggle to anticipate the movement and adjust their shots accordingly.
Naseem Shah’s proficiency in swing bowling, particularly in conditions favoring spin in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, could prove advantageous for Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.
Having worked closely with Naseem Shah during his tenure as Pakistan’s fast-bowling coach, Shaun Tait acknowledged the young pacer’s immense talent and potential. Tait’s expertise and guidance likely played a crucial role in shaping Naseem Shah’s skill set.
Tait lauded Naseem Shah’s abilities, describing him as an exceptional player with a promising future. Although recognizing the audacity of his statement, Tait confidently declared that Naseem Shah may be the best fast bowler he has witnessed at such a young age.
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“I was thoroughly impressed by Naseem Shah. It was a pleasure working with him, and I genuinely believe that at his age, in his early 20s, he is possibly the best fast bowler I have ever seen at that stage,” Tait shared during an interview with a cricket website.
Shaun Tait further expressed his admiration for Naseem Shah, emphasizing the Pakistani cricketer’s fantastic skills. Naseem, who made his debut for Pakistan at the age of 16, has exhibited remarkable talent, claiming 20 wickets in his first five Test matches.
“When it comes to his ability, cricketing intelligence, determination, and competitiveness, he is close to being the complete package. While perfection may not exist, Naseem Shah comes quite close. He has the ability to swing the ball both ways at will and can also generate reverse swing with an old ball. Additionally, he excels in varying his pace and delivering accurate yorkers. I consider him a fantastic player who demonstrates maturity beyond his years,” added Shaun Tait.
Tait’s tenure as Pakistan’s fast-bowling coach spanned 12 months, starting in February 2022. However, his association with the team concluded after Pakistan’s home ODI series against New Zealand in January of the following year.