Yasir Shah Shows Value of Spin Threat in Test Cricket as Pakistan Close on Win

Not long after Misbah-ul-Haq hit an uncharacteristically fast half-century, it became quite clear that Pakistan were very much in control of the second Test against Bangladesh.

After amassing 557 in their first innings and restricting Bangladesh to 203 in their first-innings response, Pakistan showed real intent. With two days remaining in the match and miles to go, Bangladesh were always going to have a tough time getting a positive result.

The hosts' openers fought valiantly on Day 3, but they needed to get through to the close of play without losing a wicket. At one stage, it looked like they might. Junaid Khan and Imran Khan provided no real threat to the batsmen at the crease and runs started flowing relatively freely.

Then, just as the close of play was looming, an inspired moment from the skipper saw Yasir Shah brought into the attack for the first time in the second innings. The leg-spinner started off steadily. Shah had a great first innings having taken three for 58 at an economy rate of 3.74. Every over he bowled served as a reminder of why leg spin can be such a joy to watch, but it wasn’t until his wicket on Day 3 that everyone really sat up and took notice.

In his second over of the second innings, Shah delivered a ball that can only be described as something like Shane Warne’s “Ball of the Century” to dismiss Imrul Kayes. It was poetry in motion. Pakistan need nine more wickets to seal a series victory against Bangladesh, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Shah takes at least half of those.

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Yasir Shah at his best... Shane Warne reborn. pic.twitter.com/zvsWcdlfgd

— MANI (@M4NIII) May 8, 2015"

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Yasir Shah at his best... Shane Warne reborn. pic.twitter.com/zvsWcdlfgd

— MANI (@M4NIII) May 8, 2015"

Leg spin is not an easy thing to do. While spinners have become more and more valuable in limited-overs cricket, many have struggled in the longest format of the game.

South Africa’s Imran Tahir is a prime example of how leg-spinners can struggle in Tests because they so often lose patience and get frustrated when things do not go their way. But spinners, and especially leg-spinners, still have a crucial role to play in the longest format of the game. 

Their ability is something far more mystical than the so-called mystery spin. Those leg-spinners who show even an inkling of ability deserve to be treated like royalty, and their talent should be nurtured because they are worth their weight in gold.

Yasir Shah is already 29 years old, and he has played just six Tests for Pakistan. In those Tests, he has taken 30 wickets (with more likely to follow in this Test). They have come at a slightly high average of 30.63, but this is why it is so important to manage leg-spinners properly. Yes, they will go for runs, but when they are backed up and supported by their fellow bowlers, and when the pitch has something in it for them, they can completely destroy batting lineups.

Perhaps only those who follow domestic cricket in Pakistan closely would have been aware of Yasir Shah’s existence before today. Now, he is the cricketer everyone is talking about.

With the right management and a little bit of luck, many will be talking about him for years still to come.