Razaullah could hardly have asked for a bigger introduction to international cricket. The 21-year-old Pakistan national cricket team fast bowler made his Test debut against the England national cricket team at Edgbaston and immediately announced himself by dismissing Joe Root, the hosts’ captain and one of the greatest batters of his generation. Bowling with a slingy, chest-on action and touching 92mph, Razaullah finished his first day in Test cricket with 2/42, also removing opener Emilio Gay as England reached 156/4 after Pakistan were bowled out for 133.
The manner of Root’s dismissal made the debut even more memorable. Razaullah hurried the England captain with his first three deliveries before sending the fourth swinging late into the right-hander. Root was beaten on the inside edge and struck flush on the front pad in front of middle stump. He reviewed the decision, only for the technology to confirm the on-field LBW call. It was the sort of arrival that Pakistan’s fast-bowling history has produced before — raw pace, movement and an action that immediately reminded viewers of Waqar Younis.
ENG vs PAK 3rd Test Razaullah: Early Life And Background
Razaullah was fast-tracked from domestic cricket to Test cricket, and his rise was remarkably quick. Born in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in April 2005, the right-arm fast bowler had played only eight first-class matches before the national team call-up came. The next minute, Razaullah was on the flight to Birmingham.
His selection came after Pakistan made sweeping changes following defeats in the opening two Tests. Seven players were brought into the wider squad and three debutants were handed their Test caps at Edgbaston. Razaullah was among them, despite being one of the least familiar names to an international audience.
Reports from Pakistan say he did not even have a passport when he was initially selected for the England tour, underlining just how unexpected his elevation was.
ENG vs PAK 3rd Test Razaullah: The Waqar Younis Comparison
The comparisons with Waqar Younis did not take long. Razaullah’s distinctive action sees him come in chest-on before unleashing the ball with a slingy release. The shape is familiar to anyone who watched Waqar at his peak, although it would be premature to place the youngster in the same bracket after one Test spell.
However, Razaullah possesses that one raw ingredient which was not only valued in Pakistan but is prized currency all over the world: pace. He repeatedly touched the 90mph barrier and at times crossed it at Edgbaston, while also showing that he can move the ball late enough to trouble established international batters.
So much so that former England captain Nasser Hussain heaped praise on the youngster after his eye-catching debut.
ENG vs PAK 3rd Test Razaullah: Future of Another Fast Bowling Gem From Pakistan?
Pakistan has long been a land of fearsome fast bowlers. Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are part of a lineage that has made Pakistani pace bowling one of cricket’s great traditions.
Now comes Razaullah from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. But history also offers a warning. Pakistan has unearthed plenty of extraordinary fast-bowling talent, only for injuries, inconsistency or poor management to interrupt their progress. Razaullah has taken the first step; the real challenge begins now.
Can this raw 21-year-old turn a spectacular Test debut and a memorable Joe Root dismissal into the beginning of a long international career — and perhaps become the next great fast bowler to emerge from Pakistan?
