A clip of cricket legend Shane Warne has emerged, showing the Australian tipping England prospect Rehan Ahmed for greatness when he was just 13 years of age. Now 18, Ahmed proved to be the breakout star in the 2022 County Championship season.
His impressive form for Leicestershire has now earned him a call up to the England setup, and, if selected, he will become his nation's youngest ever Test player. According to the great Warne though, Ahmed was always destined for greatness.
The video on social media shows a 13-year-old Ahmed shaking the hand of the Aussie leg spinner, who tips Ahmed to be playing first class cricket 'very soon'.
Warne - who sadly passed away earlier this year - was heard telling the young spinner: "That is awesome man! Really, really good, I am going to keep a close eye on you. I think we will be commentating on you very soon.
"I think you are going to be playing first class cricket by the age of 15!" Of course, the Australian great was not too far out with his prediction. Warne though was not the only big name in the sport to notice Ahmed's talents at a young age.
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq also revealed Ahmed caught his eye seven years ago when the Leicestershire starlet was just 11. Taking to Twitter to congratulate the youngster on his call up, he posted: "He caught my attention when we met in England seven years ago.
"It was a joy to watch him outperform his peers with his Googly. Congrats @RehanAhmed__16 and your family. I am really happy to see your progress. Good luck."
Do you think Ahmed will make his debut in Pakistan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Upon his call up, England coach Brendan McCullum revealed both he and Test captain Ben Stokes believes the inclusion of Ahmed into the squad at such a young age will only benefit him. "We know he's not the finished article and has raw potential," stated McCullum.
" Ben Stokes, myself and the rest of the coaches like how he approaches his game. The experience of being part of the squad in Pakistan will be hugely beneficial for him, and he will add to the make-up of our squad."
