Pakistan’s rising pacer Razaullah has revealed that England batting great Joe Root met him after the third Test at Edgbaston and offered words of encouragement following the youngster’s impressive debut.
Razaullah made a strong impact with both bat and ball in Pakistan’s eight-wicket defeat to England. He was among the players called into the squad after the Pakistan Cricket Board released seven players and coaches, including Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul, ahead of the third and final Test.
The uncapped pacer claimed four wickets and then produced a blistering 81 off 63 balls, earning praise for his fearless approach.
According to Pakistan Observer, Root met Razaullah after the match and shared advice with him. The young pacer said appreciation from a world-class player was a major source of happiness and encouragement.
“Receiving such appreciation from a world-class player was a great source of happiness and encouragement for me,” Razaullah said.
Razaullah had played only eight first-class matches before receiving his Test call-up as one of five uncapped players in Pakistan’s squad.
Pakistan were in deep trouble after being bowled out for 133 in the first innings and conceding 453. At 0/2 in the second innings, they appeared in danger of losing the match inside two days.
However, Azan Awais (59), former captain Shan Masood (95) and skipper Babar Azam (76) mounted a fightback before Razaullah took the attack to England’s bowlers.
His 81-run knock featured nine sixes and four fours. His nine sixes are the joint-most by a Test debutant, alongside New Zealand great Tim Southee.
Reflecting on his innings, Razaullah said he was selective about the deliveries he attacked and was particularly willing to take on England’s pace bowler Jofra Archer.
“I was being selective with which balls to slog, but they all seemed within range,” he said. “I wanted to take it as deep as possible. I wasn’t scared of pace. I wanted to punish the balls from Archer that landed on a hard length.”
“There’s nothing to be scared of when you’re playing for your country. I was just enjoying myself,” he added.