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Will Ahmed be our Ashes savior?

After Australia's big win in the first Test, Fawad Ahmed is unlikely to get a run in the Caribbean. How will it affect his Ashes chances? (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Roar Pro
3rd July, 2013
6

It’s the feel good story Australian cricket has been looking for.

Fawad Ahmed, the Pakistani-born cricketer who came to Australia as an asylum seeker, has gained Australian citizenship.

This means he is eligible to play in the Ashes. The only question is: is he good enough?

Ahmed was described by Damien Martyn as the best Australian spinner since Shane Warne.

Stuart MacGill likened his bowling technique to the Indian legend Anil Kumble, but with more spin on the ball.

He has a short run up but generates a lot of spin, proving difficult for batsmen to handle.

In three Sheffield Shield games for Victoria, Ahmed picked up 16 wickets at 28.37.

He has also played two Australia A matches and played 10 first class matches in Pakistan before he left.

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Overall he has played 15 first class matches accumulating 41 wickets at 34.65.

Ahmed will be battling for an Ashes spot with fellow spinner Nathan Lyon.

While Lyon is already in the UK, there is now nothing stopping Australia giving Ahmed the call if things go pear-shaped in the first few Tests.

In first-class matches, Ahmed has a better strike rate and average than Lyon.

He also has a higher batting average, but Lyon has more experience at playing quality opposition for Australia.

Who would you pick, fellow Roarers?

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