ISLAMABAD – Four years ago, two-time World Cup winner Steve Waugh predictedyoung fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain would one day make a name for himself onthe international stage.
Now the 19-year-old can prove Waugh right after his blistering pace earnedhim a call-up to Pakistan’s squad for the World Cup.
Pakistan’s chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, a member of the country’s firstand only victorious World Cup squad in 1992, called the young bowler a”surprise package”, while legendary paceman Waqar Younis says he seesshades of himself in the ultra-quick, destructive teen.
Tall and with a wide smile, Hasnain has turned heads after first arrivingon the national scene in 2015 and sending down balls at a blistering 150kph(93 mph).
Hasnain’s rise to Pakistan’s senior squad has been similarly rapid — hemade his one-day international debut within a week of leading the QuettaGladiators to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) title.
“It’s a great honour to represent Pakistan and the honour multiplied when Iwas named in the World Cup squad,” Hasnain told AFP.
“I am on cloud nine and ready to make batsmen struggle with my speed. Ilove to bowl fast and that is my strong point.”
Hasnain made his way to the international stage from the dusty pitches ofsun-bleached Hyderabad in southern Pakistan, where he was mentored byrenowned cricketing coach Iqbal Imam.
“Hasnain played Under-16 and Under-19 for Hyderabad and right from thestart his pace has been impressive,” recalled Imam, a former first-classcricketer who had played alongside Inzamam.
In 2015, he was selected in Pakistan’s Under-15 team to tour Australia.
“I remember that at the Bradman ground near Sydney, Steve Waugh came towatch his son Austin and he saw Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasnain in action.He predicted that the two boys will make an impact at the internationallevel,” said former coach Mohammad Masroor.
Shaheen played for Pakistan in all three formats last year and is also inthe World Cup squad, meaning both players can now seize their opportunityat the tournament in England and Wales.
He could also feature in Sunday’s one-off T20 clash against England inCardiff.
– ‘Shivers down your spine’ –
Soon after his 12 wickets in the PSL’s fourth edition, Hasnain was pickedto play for Pakistan against Australia in a one-day series in the UnitedArab Emirates.
Although he took just two wickets in three games, Australian batsmen weretroubled by his pace — a trait Pakistan’s head coach Mickey Arthur saidcould be a game-changer for his squad.
Read Top Stories
“His pace is the most impressive and he has the potential of aninternational player,” said Arthur.
“He could be the X-factor for us.”
Former great Waqar also lauded Hasnain’s pace, as well as his grit.
“He is very talented, has pace and bounce and the determination,” saidWaqar.
“I have told him not to lose his pace, which is his strong point. I wishhim the best of luck.”
Inzamam says Hasnain has the potential to keep the competition off-balanceand the ability to surprise any team.
“I think he could be the surprise package and can at any time win us amatch. He has express pace and can damage and can surprise any team,” saidInzamam.
“I have faced 150kph in my career and it’s not easy. It sends shivers downyour spine.”
Hasnain will first get his chance to shine in the five-match one-dayinternational series against England — starting on May 8 — ahead of theWorld Cup.
“I didn’t know much about Steve Waugh when we met,” he said.
“But later I got to know that he was a World Cup winner, a great batsmanand a shrewd captain.
“His words were inspiring and I want to prove him right. I know the Englandseries is a big chance for me and then the World Cup. I will do my best tomake a name for myself.
“I will, definitely,” he added. -APP/AFP
