Rehan Ahmed to become England’s youngest EVER Test cricketer as spinner faces Pakistan at just 18 years old

LEG-SPINNER Rehan Ahmed will become England’s youngest EVER Test cricketer when he makes his debut in the Third Test against Pakistan.

Ahmed has replaced Will Jacks and, at the age of 18 years and 126 days when the match begins, will break the record of Brian Close, who was 18 years and 149 days when he played in 1949.

GettyRehan Ahmed will become England’s youngest ever Test cricketer against Pakistan[/caption]

The other changes sees Ben Foakes replace James Anderson in the XI after illness previously kept the Surrey wicket-keeper out of action.

England already hold an unassailable 2-0 lead after clinching the series following a 26-run victory in the Second Test, but are seeking a whitewash.

As for Ahmed, he only made his first-class debut for Leicestershire as a 17-year-old in May.

But the teenager starred at the Under-19s World Cup, taking 12 wickets as England were beaten in the final by India.

He also played for England Lions against South Africa earlier this summer and in The Hundred for Southern Brave.

And he’s proven handy with the bat, slated to come in at No8 vs Pakistan, having scored a century batting at No5 for Leicestershire against Derbyshire in his most-recent first-class match in September.

Despite his lack of experience, Ben Stokes is confident the youngster can rise to the occasion.

Ahead of the Third Test, he said: “Having a wrist-spinner is always exciting, especially for England.

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“But it’s about not getting too carried away with the potential that he has because he is only young.

“You’ve still got to nurture talent, no matter how exciting it is.”

“I think it’s a good opportunity for us to not only look at him but for him to come in and experience what it’s like to play international cricket.

 “I think being at such a young age, it’s great to see someone who has so much freedom in what they do.

“The way that he bats, he likes to get on with it and show what he’s about. He’s got a vast array of shots.”

However, Ahmed is not England’s youngest ever player overall.

That honour goes to Holly Colvin, who was 15 years and 336 days when she played for the women’s team against Australia in 2005.