Shane Warne hails Yasir Shah as the best spinner from the current crop

What attributes are required to become a top class leg-spinner at the highest level? Perhaps the best answer lies with undoubtedly the greatest leg-spinner of all time, Shane Warne. Despite Ravichandran Ashwin’s heroics in the longest form of the game of late, Warne has hailed Pakistan’s Yasir Shah as the best spinner among the current crop.

Earlier in the year, it was Yasir’s magical delivery to Gary Ballance in the Lord’s Test which created quite a sensation. The dismissal was a carbon copy of Andrew Strauss’s dismissal in the 2005 infamous Ashes series where the ball pitched way outside the off stump and turned a mile to take the leg stump as Strauss remained perplexed. Yasir’s delivery created quite a stir in the media as people started comparing him with the legend.

Warne was also of the same opinion and stated that Yasir is the best spinner among the current generation. The Australian who is a part of the commentary panel for the ongoing Test series between Australia and Pakistan spoke about Yasir Shah’s strength and weakness in the company of his former captain Mark Taylor.

Speaking to Channel 9 Warne said, “I am very excited to see Yasir Shah out here. He is the best spin bowler in the world at the moment, in my opinion. He can bowl in all conditions (and) he is a bundle of energy. I am just looking forward to him. No matter what the situation is he wants the ball in his hand. He is not a huge turner of the ball, he does a lot of fast, straighter deliveries (that skid of the surface).”

“There are also the change-ups where he tries to beat the batsman through the air. He’s very, very accurate and doesn’t bowl much rubbish. That’s what I like about him. When conditions suit, he can rag it big like anyone,” said the former Australian leg spinner.

Warne felt that Yasir was a bowler for all conditions and had an Australian attitude within him. Speaking on Gary Ballance’s dismissal earlier in the year Warne said, “He drifts the ball because of how much spin he imparts on the ball. He’s always at the batsman, has a lot of energy and has a bit of Aussie mongrel about him.”

Unsurprisingly, Yasir Shah considers Warne his idol and has also worked with him briefly. His tips have come in handy for Yasir and he would hope to repay the faith Warne has shown in him.