PAK pacer Razaullah had no passport during Test call-up, then dismissed Root on debut

Having earned a debut just nine days after his maiden call-up, Razaullah was out in the middle after another disastrous Pakistan batting effort, bundled out for 133. Clocking over 140 kph straightaway in his opening over, it only took him three more deliveries to prise out a golden wicket. England skipper Joe Root was trapped in front after being rushed by another 143-kph scorcher. Skiddy, straight and plumb on the knee-roll.

Shortly before stumps on the opening day in Edgbaston, Razaullah speared another delivery through with his slingy arm action, breaching the defences of opener Emilio Gay.

The dream start was quite close to not take flight in time.

No passport, missed selection call

According to reports on social media, Razaullah had no passport at the time of his selection. Back in his hometown, Razaullah reportedly also missed the selectors with his phone switched off, shortly before the process for a passport and his flight out to the UK was expedited.

According to Dawn, PCB high-performance director Aaqib Javed was impressed by Razaullah after watching him train at the National Cricket Academy, pushing a call-up to a fast-bowling camp in late August. While Razaullah’s two wickets may not have quelled the looming danger of another Test defeat, the pacer’s sprightly start against England will hold among the few positives for Pakistan from an otherwise nightmarish tour.

Click here to read article