Razaullah recorded the second worst Test economy on debut [Source: AFP]Pakistan lost consecutive Test matches against England, and the team pressed a panic button as seven players were sacked from the side, and newcomers were given a chance to shine at the biggest stage. Debutants were called up for the third Test at Edgbaston, and one such player was the young pacer, Razaullah.The tearaway pacer had only played eight first-class matches before the third Test, but the team management showed trust in him and handed a Test debut to the fast bowler.While Razaullah picked up 4 wickets in the first innings on his debut, the pacer also struggled to control his lines and lengths, and he created an unwanted record in the third Test against England.Razaullah records second-worst Test economy rate on debutThe right-arm pacer started the Test series on a bright note as he trapped the great Joe Root to set the stage on fire. He was fast and furious, and for a brief moment it looked as if the English batters would face a tough time against him.However, Test match bowling is not only about bowling fast, but also requires discipline, which Razaullah lacked as he conceded 148 runs in just 23 overs, with an economy of 6.43.What started as a promising Test beginning ended in misery as the fast bowler recorded the second-worst economy rate by a Pakistan bowler on Test debut.Only Zahid Mahmood is ahead of him on this unwanted list, as Mahmood conceded runs at 7.3 on his debut against England in 2022. Razaullah moved ahead of Sohail Khan, who recorded an economy of 6.1 on his debut against Sri Lanka in 2009.Razaullah's mixed fortunes in the first innings vs EnglandPCB sacked seven players from the team, and Razaullah was one of the replacement players drafted into the team. The 21-year-old, who made his debut at Edgbaston, made an immediate impact by dismissing Joe Root with his fourth delivery on debut.Also Read: "A Tall Waqar Younis": Razaullah's Fiery Pakistan Debut vs England Leaves Fans In AweHe also claimed the wicket of English opener, Emilio Gay, as the left-handed batter was dismissed by the Pakistan bowler for 60.He then took the wicket of wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, and his final wicket was of Ollie Robinson, as he ended the first innings with 4 wickets to his name. Hence, while he struggled to control his line and length and conceded plenty of runs, Pakistan cricket had some positives, as the pacer bowled with rapid pace and reminded fans of Waqar Younis.Why Pakistan selected Razaullah despite limited first-class experience?After drawing the Test series against the West Indies, Pakistan were expected to put up a fight against an English side who were going. through a transition. However, the Asian side surrendered and were outplayed by the hosts, rather easily.This led to a change in players midway through the series, and the 21-year-old became a surprise pick by the PCB management.Razaullah had played just eight first-class matches and had scalped 30 wickets, with an average of 20.86. Before his inclusion, Pakistan had gentle medium pacers in the ongoing England tour, and the Asian side needed an X-factor in their side.Hence, the youngster was drafted into the team, as he has the ability to consistently bowl at over 145 km/h, and at such pace, playing any bowler is a tricky prospect.Also Read: Duleep Trophy Winners List From 1961 To 2026
