Naseem Shah calls Joe Root and James Anderson the best cricketers in the world

Naseem Shah has played 13 Tests for Pakistan

In his short career, the 19-year-old Naseem Shah has shown all the skills he possesses. The injury to Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali's dip in form allowed Naseem to become the mainstream bowler for Pakistan. 

In the recently concluded T20 World Cup, the young seamer proved his mettle on the world stage by teasing the best cricketers in the world by his seam movement. Now, the youngster is all set to lead Pakistan's bowling attack - which comprises Haris Rauf, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Mohammad Ali - against the Ben Stokes-led Three Lions. 

Being the leader of the pact - ahead of the historic Test series, Naseem attended the press and spoke some good things about Joe Root and James Anderson. 

The 19-year-old called the former English skipper the best batter present in the world but also hinted at how he will bowl against the likes of him. 

"(When asked about how to bowl against Root) Why should I tell you that (chuckles)? Look, he’s the best batter present in the world right now. When you bat against the best batter, you also enjoy your bowling. 

"With that, there comes a challenge as well, and I always enjoy bowling against batters of that pedigree. I never look at it like he’s the best in the world; I don’t focus on that - I just focus on myself, my bowling," the seamer commented.

In the presser, Naseem seemed to be a huge fan of the legendary Anderson - while applauding his skills and fitness levels.

"I think it’s a very big achievement because, as a fast bowler, I know how hard fast bowling is. He (Anderson) is simply a legend. He has done a lot of hard work, and we learn a lot from him whenever we get to meet him. It’s a big thing that he’s 40-year-old, and he’s still playing, he’s still fit - that’s a commendable thing. 

"I’ve already said this; he’s a legend. He knows his bowling; he knows how and where to bowl. He has played all across the world - that is why he’s the best bowler in the world because of his fitness and his skills."

The historic Test series between the hosts Pakistan and England will kickstart at Rawalpindi before the caravan shifts to Multan and Karachi for the following matches.

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