Debutant Razaullah Stuns Joe Root on Test Debut

Pakistan fast bowler Razaullah announced himself on the international stage on Wednesday, September 9, dismissing England captain Joe Root with his fourth delivery in Test cricket on the opening day of the third Test at Edgbaston. The 21-year-old right-armer from Mardan trapped Root leg before wicket in his first over, and although Root reviewed the decision, ball tracking showed three reds, confirming the delivery would have hit the stumps. Root, who had scored 8, fell for a total of 14,216 career Test runs. Razaullah struck again later in the day, bowling opener Emilio Gay for 60, and finished with two wickets for 24 runs from nine overs. His pace drew attention throughout the spell: he touched 92mph in his opening two overs and did not drop below 89mph, with the 89mph delivery against Root reported as the fastest by a Pakistani bowler in the series. His slingy, side-on action drew comparisons with former Pakistan great Waqar Younis. Former England captain Nasser Hussain praised the debutant while commentating on the match.