OH BOY, HE’S FAST

Be afraid England! Pakistan’s new bowling sensation Shah is just 17 and already terrifying batsmen with 92mph deliveries

over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh back in Pakistan.

He hit speeds of 92mph and has been likened to Lillee both in terms of his pace, his wonderfully elegant action and his aggression.

Now he has his full focus on England’s top order, in much the same way Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis used to.

The comparisons might be justified come Sunday.

Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali said: “He’s a young talent who came up and played Test cricket from nowhere. In terms of his potential, he’s very threatening and hopefully he will be very good for us in this series.

“He’s impressed all of us and is in our number one choice bowling attack. He’s young and talented and over time will get the experience he needs.

“Our bowlers are very talented, obviously not as experienced as some of the bowling attacks that have come to England in the past, but potentially they’re right up there. I’m sure they are very much ready.”

Pakistan might not have had the three-test build-up England have but are well used to playing in sterile conditions with next to no crowds and will be a much stiffer test for Joe Root’s side.

With Jofra Archer set to continue, Root has plenty of firepower of his own to send back at Azhar, who Pakistan will rely on for runs.

With both sides having stellar bowling line-ups, how the skippers lead from the front with the bat will have a huge bearing on the outcome of this series.

Root has had his fair share of success against Pakistan. His highest Test score of 254 was made against them in 2016 on the

Old Trafground where this week’s match takes place, and he is looking forward to looking horns with the young pace bowler.

Root said: “I’ve watched a lot of footage of him. He looks an exciting prospect, very skilful, good pace.

“You just have to get out there and try and gauge it.

You can speak to people as much as you want but until you get a feel for it, you don’t know what you’re up against.” same ford