Alex Hales in awe of ‘best new-ball bowler’ Shaheen Afridi

English cricketer, Alex Hales, has spoken in admiration of Pakistan pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi's incredible bowling skills, calling him the "one of the best new-ball bowlers". 

Shaheen made headlines during the 2022 T20 World Cup final with a delivery that left Hales out and Pakistan's chances of winning the game on the rise.

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Hales, who will soon be Afridi's teammate in the Notts during the 2023 Vitality Blast, praised the Pakistan bowler for his impeccable skills and stated that the moment he was dismissed by Afridi in the final had left him in no doubt about the quality of the bowler. 

“In my opinion, with the late swing he gets from a six-foot seven frame, Shaheen is one of the best new-ball bowlers in the world,” said Hales.

“It was a lovely ball from him early on, and it meant I spent a lot of time in the changing rooms watching our chase. It was a pretty long and nervy hour and a half or so!

“Had Shaheen not been unfortunate enough to pick up an injury it could have been much tighter.

“He was devastated when he got injured: we could actually hear him shouting and grunting from the changing rooms.

“In the end, it was an awesome game of cricket – and to win the world title was as special as it gets.”

Joining a pace-bowling attack that boasts international experience alongside Jake Ball and Olly Stone, Afridi is set to take part in the 2023 edition of the Blast.

In addition to reinforcements in the bowling department, the Outlaws have also recruited New Zealand cricketer, Colin Munro, for the upcoming season. 

As the excitement builds for the upcoming season, Hales and the Outlaws are optimistic about their chances with Afridi and Munro leading the charge.

“That is just an outstanding signing,” said Hales of Munro’s impending arrival.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play a lot of cricket with him over the past 12 to 18 months, and he’s an excellent player.

“He’s got the ability to adapt in all conditions – whether it’s a tough deck or a flat pitch – and he’ll be an excellent addition to the dressing room as a character.

“We have a bit to prove this year – missing out on the quarter-finals last season was an incredibly bitter pill to swallow – so we’re really keen to go out there and make a statement of intent.”