Justin Langer is wary of the potential threat of Pakistan’s teenage quick Naseem Shah.
Shah is in contention to make his Test debut at just 16 years of age. He would become the youngest player to play a Test in Australia if he gets the nod for Thursday’s series-opener at the Gabba.
The youngster caught the eye in Pakistan’s recent tour game against Australia A taking the scalp of Test hopeful Marcus Harris.
Shah reminds Langer of two of Pakistan’s greatest ever fast bowlers.
“They’re always in sharp focus, they’re a very good cricket team, we know that,” Langer told SEN's Whateley.
“It’s always been described they’ve had immense talent. I watched the 16-year-old fast bowler (Naseem Shah) and he is quick, he’s got a lovely action.
“He reminds me a bit of a Shoaib Akhtar or a Waqar Younis. (They are) renowned for selecting these young fast bowlers.”
Langer also believes Pakistan star Babar Azam should be considered among the world’s best batsmen.
“Babar Azam is as good a batsman as there is in the world at the moment. We talk about Steve Smith and Virat Kohli, I mean Babar Azam, he’s a magnificent cricketer,” Langer added.
“We know we will have to show them great respect. We are going to be under pressure and we are going to need to be ready for them.”
The SEN Cricket broadcast kicks off at 9am on Thursday. Tune in to hear Gerard Whateley, Simon Katich, Anthony Hudson, Damien Fleming, Mel Jones and Pakistan great Wasim Akram.
Listen to Justin Langer's chat on SEN's Whateley in the player below