Following a disappointing start where they lost the opening two matches and the series, Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble once again during the final Test. Batting first in Birmingham, the Pakistani side was skittled out for a mere 133 runs. After English pacers dominated under overcast conditions, the onus shifted to the Pakistani bowling attack. Stepping up to bowl for Pakistan was a relatively unknown figure at the time, though his name would command global attention within mere moments.
Pace and Impact from Delivery One
With the very first delivery of his Test career, the bowler clocked an impressive speed of 143 kilometers per hour. By the third ball of the over, the speedometer touched 144 kilometers per hour. The fourth delivery zipped through at top pace and struck England captain Joe Root plumb on the pad. A loud appeal followed, prompting the umpire to raise his finger. Thus, even before conceding a single run in Test cricket, Razaullah had removed England's premier batsman.
Limited First-Class Experience
Razaullah came as a surprise not just to the global audience, but even to Pakistani cricket supporters. He was not a player whom Pakistan cricket had groomed for years specifically for the Test arena. Prior to this ongoing match against England, his professional red-ball experience stood at just eight first-class matches. While he has featured in a few matches in the Pakistan Super League, his exposure to the longer format remained minimal. Had unexpected controversies and player departures not shaken up the Pakistan camp, he might never have received a Test cap at Edgbaston.
Comparisons to Fast Bowling Greats
Dismissing Joe Root only fueled Razaullah's intensity on the field. He maintained a steady pace of over 140 kilometers per hour. He next targeted Harry Brook, unsettling the batsman with a fiery delivery that forced him to the ground. Opening batsman Emilio Gay, who scored 60 runs, became Razaullah's second victim. Through these spells, Razaullah proved he is not merely reliant on swing and seam movement, but possesses genuine raw pace reminiscent of Pakistan's legendary fast bowlers of the past. Social media platforms quickly drew comparisons between Razaullah and former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis, noting striking similarities in their bowling actions and builds.
