3 Youngsters who can replace Mohammad Amir in the Test squad

One of the best ever pacers to have represented Pakistan, Mohammad Amir shockingly called time on his Test cricket career through an announcement via the Pakistan Cricket Board, leaving behind a huge void in the pace battery.

Amir added that he was forced to bid adieu to the longest format owing to the fact that he was not in shape to take part in Test cricket, and instead wanted to focus on elongating his career in the shorter formats of the game.

Amir’s departure will be a setback for the Pakistan Test team since he was their lead bowler and was a fine exponent of the swinging new ball. Amir ended his Test career with 68 wickets from 22 Tests since his return to international cricket.

Undoubtedly, Pakistan’s domestic circuit has churned out some of the best fast bowlers who are all of the highest quality. However, the youngster who is roped in to fill in the huge void left behind by Amir will have a huge role to play.

Here are three pacers who could be banked to slot into the role of Pakistan's lead pacer in the near future.

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#3 Sadaf Hussain

Sadaf-A talented seamer

Sadaf Hussain is a left-arm medium-fast bowler who plays for Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in first-class cricket and at one point in time, was the spearhead for his department’s bowling unit.

Sadaf’s domestic record is quite phenomenal as he has taken 394 wickets in 84 first-class matches at an average of 18.61. He has taken five 10-wicket hauls and 25 five-wicket hauls from the local circuit. His List-A record of taking 139 wickets from 68 matches is also convincing enough to secure him a spot in the Pakistan team.

The lanky pacer does not generate extreme pace but is a great swing bowler and specializes in troubling batsmen with his ability to swing the ball into the right-handers and away from the left-handers. He is capable of bowling with the new ball and can bowl long spells too. A consistent wicket-taker, Sadaf can be a great addition to the Pakistani side.

If the 29-year-old player earns his maiden Test call-up, surely, he could prove to be a vital addition with his skill set and will form a potent new ball duo with Mohammad Abbas.

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#2 Zia Ul Haq

Zia Ul Haq - A young gun

Zia Ul Haq is a left-arm fast-medium bowler who plays for Sui Southern Gas Corporation (SSGC) in first-class cricket and could be a like-for-like replacement for Mohammad Amir.

Zia ul Haq holds an impressive first-class and list A record. He has taken 196 wickets in 59 first-class matches at an average of 24.87. He has picked up five five-wicket hauls and 12 4-wicket hauls. In List A, Zia has played 76 matches and notched up 117 scalps. These stats are exceptionally credible, which should prove to be enough in order to give the 24-year-old a chance in the national side.

Blessed with a tall frame, Zia has the potential to bowl at a serious pace. At one point in time during his junior career, he was regarded as a bright prospect by his coaches mainly owing to his ability to bowl fast. Besides the pace, his impressive swing is the icing on the cake. He has worked with Wasim Akram on his seam and swing bowling and has mastered the art.

#1 Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen Shah Afridi, a left-arm medium-fast bowler, plays for Khan Research Laboratories (KRL). While Shaheen has debuted for the Pakistan Test team, he is yet to cement a spot in the side. In three Tests, he has picked up 12 wickets while in first-class cricket, he has taken 30 wickets in six matches at an average of 23.23.

On his debut FC match, Shaheen bagged nine wickets and stole the headlines with his performances. He has played 24 List A matches so far and has taken 45 wickets. The teenager has a swift action and pitches the ball in good lengths, in addition to possessing controlled swing.

His ability to swing the new ball and bring about a whole lot of variations all through his spells could prove to be crucial. With the new ball bowler's spot vacant, Shaheen Afridi is certainly in line for a spot in the squad.