England and Pakistan are going to lock horns for a historic Test series in Pakistan after 17 long years. Ahead of the first Test of the three-Test series, Pakistan pace sensation Naseem Shah addressed the media and answered questions to the run-up of the first Test in Rawalpindi which is to commence on the first of December.
On age-old James Anderson who at the age of 40 is still playing the longest format, the 19-year-old bowler who is seeing a meteoric rise to prominence after being fast-tracked into international cricket said he learns a lot from the English veteran and praised him on the longevity he has maintained.
"It's a very big achievement because I'm a fast bowler, I know how hard it is. He's a legend, we learn a lot of things from him. When we meet, we discuss about this. He's still playing at 40, he's still fit, so you can imagine how much hard work he's putting,” Shah said.
Pakistanis and English players will battle it out in a bruising contest but several Pakistani players like many south Asian cricketers have had their struggles with the English language.
The reporter further asked Shah his thoughts on the debate of 'pace versus skill', implying that while Anderson may not be on an equal footing with him in terms of pace, he still has invaluable skills that set him apart. The teenage Pakistani bowler's response left everyone guffawing in the room as he replied with a self-deprecating remark on his English language skills.
“Brother, I have just 30 percent English. My English is finished now, okay?” Naseem said, leaving everyone across the room in stitches.
The reporter then had to revert to his previous question in a remodelled fashion on Anderson, Naseem reiterated that the vast amount of experience makes him one of the best bowlers.
“I told you, he's the legend. He knows everything. He knows how to take wickets because he has played cricket everywhere in the world. That's why he's one of the best bowlers in the world,” the young pacer said.
