9 Compelling facts about Sami Aslam

Pakistan batsman Sami Aslam came in for the out of form Shan Masood for the third Test at Edgbaston in the series between England and Pakistan. With a massive defeat at the hands of the Brits in the second Test at Old Trafford, it was clear that Misbah-ul-Haq was going to bring in the reinforcements. Among the reinforcements was 20-year old Sami Aslam, who was making a rare Test match appearance. While Pakistan continues to experiment with opening batsmen, it remains to be seen what Aslam brings to the table.

1. Birth:

Sami Aslam was born on the 12th of December 1995 in Lahore.

2. U19 cricket record:

He is currently the second highest run-scorer in U19 ODI history with 1695 runs.

3. ODI debut:

Aslam made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in Dhaka on the 22nd of April 2015. This also happened to be his first taste of the senior level international action. He made a mark on his debut by making a brisk 45 only for Bangladesh to claim a victory.

4. Test debut:

Just a week after making his ODI debut, he made his Test debut against Bangladesh in Khulna in the first Test match of the series. This also saw him score 20, only for Tamim Iqbal’s double hundred to take centre stage in a drawn Test match.

5. A possible solution to the opening problems:

With Shan Masood out of form and being fodder for James Anderson and Stuart Broad, it is possible that Aslam is a long-term prospect to fill the role of opener in the squad.

6. The Biggest fan:

He hails from a middle-class family from central Lahore and played his early cricket for Punjab Cricket Club. His father, who would escort Aslam to the ground until he was 18, has been his biggest supporter and ensured he had everything to make him a successful cricketer.

7. Calmness and composure:

His standout characteristics have been his calmness for someone of a young age and the value he places on his wicket with his solid temperament helping him to success in his early days.

8. Domestic representations:

Aslam plays for the Lahore Eagles as well as the National Bank of Pakistan in the domestic circuit. He is yet to ply his trade in the PSL.

9. Bowling style:

Aslam is a leg-spin bowler.