Naseem Shah is nearly the best fast bowler I have ever seen at that age: Tait

The former Australian speedster admires the maturity and competitiveness displayed by Naseem, qualities that are often associated with more experienced players

PHOTO: Twitter

Shaun Tait, a former Australian fast bowler and renowned for his blistering pace, has heaped praise on Naseem Shah, considering him to be nearly the best fast bowler he has ever seen at such a young age.

Tait, who had a fearsome reputation himself during his playing days, worked closely with 20-year-old Naseem during his tenure as the fast-bowling coach of the Pakistan team.

The 40-year-old expressed his admiration for Naseem's abilities and described him as a fantastic player with immense potential. Despite acknowledging the difficulty of making such a claim, Tait confidently stated that Naseem Shah is perhaps the finest fast bowler he has witnessed at that age

“I just thought he [Naseem Shah] was fantastic. I loved working with him. I think at his age now, early 20s, he is probably the best, and it is a big call, but I am going to say he is nearly the best fast bowler I have ever seen at that age,” Tait said while talking to a cricket website.

According to Tait, Naseem possesses a remarkable skill set. The former Australian speedster admires the maturity and competitiveness displayed by Naseem, qualities that are often associated with more experienced players.

“As far as his ability, his brains, his desires and his competitiveness, he is almost the perfect package. There is no such thing but he is nearly there. He is someone who swings the ball both ways when he wants to and he can also reverse the old ball. He takes the pace off really well and bowls good Yorkers. I think he is a fantastic player. He is mature beyond his years as well,” he added.

Tait's stint as the fast-bowling coach of the Pakistan team lasted for 12 months, starting in February 2022. His time with the team concluded after Pakistan's home ODI series against New Zealand in January of the following year. Tait's tenure provided him with the opportunity to closely observe Naseem Shah's skills and progress, leading him to make such high praise for the young fast bowler.