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For all that the modern narrative may try to cast a shadow over Test cricket, England’s rising star Rehan Ahmed admits he has experienced a shift in perception from the traditional red ball format.
The 18-year-old fits the mold as something of a native white ball, growing up with cricket at a time when it has been suggested that the multi-day format may have lost its appeal to a new and young audience.
But Test cricket remains alive and kicking, rejuvenated by the blistering start England has enjoyed to life under captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.
Ahmed was a surprise selection for Pakistan’s Test tour in December but he was not a passenger as his seven-wicket haul in Karachi helped England to a famous 3-0.
“I used to see it as a boring game,” he said. “But it’s a long game, it’s the hardest game. Now I see it as the most exciting game.
“Test matches are the highest level of pressure I’ve ever played in front of. It’s a different kind of intensity.
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James Cole takes a closer look at England and Leicestershire’s resurgent Rehan Ahmed, who is widely regarded after his impressive Pakistan Test debut.
“The one percent joy I get from playing a Test and winning a Test is unmatched. I don’t know what else can match it.”
Earlier this month, Ahmed became England’s youngest ever male cricketer to play in all three formats of the game at the international stage in a 3-0 T20I win over Bangladesh.
Before that, he became England’s youngest Men’s Test debutant at the age of 18 and 126 days against Pakistan in December, sealing the series with five wickets in one innings on the third day.
“I don’t think even the Test match has sunk in,” he said. “To debut in all three formats in such a short period of time is a dream come true.”
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Check out every one of Rehan Ahmed’s wickets as the England teenager became the youngest man to take a five-wicket haul on his Test debut
It’s such a bright impression and the potential that Ahmed has been talking about for so long that he can believe in the prospect of a place in England’s Ashes set-up as well as this autumn’s World Cup in India.
“I’m still dreaming,” he admitted. “At the same time, I take each day as it comes. If I play then I play but if I don’t, I don’t. The thing with English cricket is that if I don’t play I like to watch.
“Watch English cricket live [in Pakistan] was the best day of my life. I would have again if I wasn’t playing the Ashes.”
Ahmed has enjoyed the opportunity to observe and learn from the success of fellow Englishman Adil Rashid, who has arguably raised the bar for bowling in the shorter format.
“Big shoes to fill,” Ahmad said. “Even thinking about it puts pressure on me. Rash is a bowler himself, he’s done so well for England over the years, so I can only dream of having half the career he’s had.
“Rash is more traditional leg-spinner, like Shane Warne or Stuart MacGill type. Whereas I focus on bowling a bit faster, not trying to play as much.”
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