England call up spinner who Shane Warne said was destined for Test cricket at 13
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Leicestershire’s Rehan Ahmed has been included as cover for Moeen Ali, who struggled with a finger injury during England’s two-wicket defeat to Australia at Edgbaston.
England will attempt to level the five-match series at Lord’s with the second Test starting on Wednesday.
Leg-spinner Ahmed enjoyed a sensational Test debut over the winter as he took seven wickets in a victory over Pakistan in Karachi.
The 18-year-old was the youngest English male cricketer to play a Test match and became the youngest male Test debutant to take a five-wicket haul.
If he plays at Lord’s, Ahmed will be the second-youngest man to play an Ashes Test since the contest began in 1877.
Ahmed had the opportunity to bowl in front of Warne in the Lord’s nets five years ago and the Australia legend offered some typically classy words of encouragement afterwards.
‘That’s awesome man, really, really good,’ Warne, who took 708 Test wickets, told a 13-year-old Ahmed.
‘I will be keeping a close eye on you, I think we will be commentating on you very soon! I think you will be playing first class cricket by the age of 15.’
Warne’s absence has been felt during this Ashes – arguably the greatest cricketer of all-time died last year at the age of 52.
While Ahmed will join the rest of the England squad in London this weekend, coach Brendon McCullum has said Moeen will play if passed fit.
Moeen came out of Test retirement to play in the Ashes but struggled with a badly blistered finger during the first match.
If the Warwickshire all-rounder is not selected at Lord’s, England may opt for a four-man pace attack and rely on Joe Root’s part-time off-spin.
MORE : Australia hero hits out at ‘forgettable’ Ollie Robinson after Edgbaston win
MORE : Ollie Robinson has ‘learned his lesson’ after Usman Khawaja Ashes send-off
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