LET’S GO FOR A SPIN LIKE UDAL DID

HISTORY could repeat itself in Pakistan with England handing a Test debut to a spinner 17 years after they did the same for Shaun Udal in 2005.

Although, were Rehan Ahmed (left) to play on Thursday, he would be getting the small matter of an 18-year headstart on Udal who was 36 when he was handed his first cap by Marcus Trescothick in Multan. Udal (right) believes Ahmed’s leg spin could be just the ticket for England in a country where extreme pace, reverse swing and mystery spin are key.

“That’s what you need in Pakistan if the pitches are anything like they were when we toured in 2005,” said Udal.

“Good luck to Rehan and the team, I hope it all works out very well for him and he gets every success if he plays, because that is the sort of thing you need in Pakistan. Sheer pace with reverse swing and wrist spin.” Udal will be watching from home but doing so while he faces his greatest challenge, dealing with Parkinson’s disease.

It has been a rough few years for Udal following his diagnosis with the loss of his brother and his mother last year, as well as the passing of his great friend Shane Warne.

“It has not been the greatest of times,” said Udal. “Warnie had such a massive influence on my life and career and I can’t believe he’s gone.”

■ Visit Parkinsons.org.uk to find out more and donate.