<p>Ten years ago Bilal Asif had almost quit cricket by joining his father in Kuwait to work as an electrician, but a change of heart brought about by ex-Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has paid dividends.</p>

<p>On Tuesday Asif became the latest spinning bete noire for Australia, snatching 6-36 in the first Test in Dubai to trigger a spectacular collapse for the Baggy Greens, who lost 10 wickets for 60 runs as they slumped from a soild 142-0 to 202 all out.</p>

<p>That gave Asif third best innings figures on Test debut for a Pakistani bowler behind Mohammad Asif (7-64) and Mohammad Nazir (7-99).</p>

<p>The 33-year-old made his international debut when he played three one-dayers for Pakistan in Zimbabwe in 2015, but had to wait another three years for a Test role.</p>

<p>Asif, however, said it had been worth the wait, praising former skipper Malik for some timely advice.</p>

<p><strong>- Back from Kuwait -</strong></p>

<p>"It's an old story that I went to Kuwait to help my father, but Malik advised me to return and fight hard for a place in the Pakistan team," recalled Asif. "It was a worthy return."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tall and energetic Asif hails from a small town of Allo Mahar Sharif, close to Sialkot in the northeast Punjab which has produced players like batting great Zaheer Abbas, Ijaz Ahmed, Malik and Haris Sohail.</p>

<p>During his one-day stint in Zimbabwe his bowling action was reported as illegal, but on assessment it was cleared -- another tough phase of his career.</p>

<p>Last year he was included in Pakistan's squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka, but did not feature as team management thought he was still not ready.</p>

<p>Asif's chance finally came as Pakistan deemed him useful against Australia's three left-handers in the top order in the Dubai Test.</p>

<p>Asif said his success was a reward for hard work and patience.</p>

<p>"Being a professional cricketer, you have to be tough mentally. I always kept working hard. I didn’t think whether I would get a chance or not," said Asif, who overshadowed his more illustrious spin partner Yasir Shah, who went wicketless in Australia's 202 all out.</p>

<p>Pakistan, having gained a lead of 280 in the first innings, closed the third day at 45-3 in their second innings, an overall lead of 325 runs.</p>

<p>"I was out of the team since 2015. I was at the National Cricket Academy camp where I worked with head coach Mushtaq Ahmed. I got the reward for that hard work," said Asif, who was dismissed for a duck after being sent in at number three to see out Tuesday's play.</p>


Ten years ago Bilal Asif had almost quit cricket by joining his father in Kuwait to work as an electrician, but a change of heart brought about by ex-Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has paid dividends.

Ten years ago Bilal Asif had almost quit cricket by joining his father in Kuwait to work as an electrician, but a change of heart brought about by ex-Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has paid dividends. On Tuesday Asif became the latest spinning bete noire for Australia, snatching 6-36 in the first Test in Dubai to trigger a spectacular collapse for the Baggy Greens, who lost 10 wickets for 60 runs as they slumped from a soild 142-0 to 202 all out. That gave Asif third best innings figures on Test debut for a Pakistani bowler behind Mohammad Asif (7-64) and Mohammad Nazir (7-99). The 33-year-old made his international debut when he played three one-dayers for Pakistan in Zimbabwe in 2015, but had to wait another three years for a Test role. Asif, however, said it had been worth the wait, praising former skipper Malik for some timely advice. - Back from Kuwait - "It's an old story that I went to Kuwait to help my father, but Malik advised me to return and fight hard for a place in the Pakistan team," recalled Asif. "It was a worthy return." The tall and energetic Asif hails from a small town of Allo Mahar Sharif, close to Sialkot in the northeast Punjab which has produced players like batting great Zaheer Abbas, Ijaz Ahmed, Malik and Haris Sohail. During his one-day stint in Zimbabwe his bowling action was reported as illegal, but on assessment it was cleared -- another tough phase of his career. Last year he was included in Pakistan's squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka, but did not feature as team management thought he was still not ready. Asif's chance finally came as Pakistan deemed him useful against Australia's three left-handers in the top order in the Dubai Test. Asif said his success was a reward for hard work and patience. "Being a professional cricketer, you have to be tough mentally. I always kept working hard. I didn’t think whether I would get a chance or not," said Asif, who overshadowed his more illustrious spin partner Yasir Shah, who went wicketless in Australia's 202 all out. Pakistan, having gained a lead of 280 in the first innings, closed the third day at 45-3 in their second innings, an overall lead of 325 runs. "I was out of the team since 2015. I was at the National Cricket Academy camp where I worked with head coach Mushtaq Ahmed. I got the reward for that hard work," said Asif, who was dismissed for a duck after being sent in at number three to see out Tuesday's play.

It's better late than never for Aussie tormentor Bilal Asif

<p>Debutant Pakistan off-spinner Bilal Asif led an Australian collapse with four wickets on the third day of the first Test in Dubai on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The 33-year-old took his wickets off 22 balls as Australia slumped from a solid opening stand of 142-0 to be struggling on 180-5 at tea on a Dubai stadium pitch which has started to take a sharp turn.</p>

<p>At the break, Mitchell Marsh was ten not out and skipper Tim Paine on six, as Australia are still 302 runs behind Pakistan's first innings total of 482 and need another 103 runs to avoid the follow-on.</p>

<p>It was a total contrast from the pre-lunch session when Australia -- resuming at 30-0 - reached 137 without loss with both Usman Khawaja and debutant</p>

<p>Aaron Finch defying Pakistani spinners during their resistance-packed stand.</p>

<p>But the second session belonged to Asif, who dismissed Usman Khawaja (85), Shaun Marsh (seven), Travis Head (nought) and Marnus Labuschagne (nought) in the space of 29 runs.</p>

<p>Asif has figures of 4-28 in 17 overs.</p>

<p>Pakistan, though, were put on track by seamer Mohammad Abbas who forced Finch to drive straight into the hands of Asad Shafiq at short mid-on after scoring 62.</p>

<p>Khawaja hit eight fours before miscuing a premeditated sweep and was caught at short leg while Finch had five boundaries and a six in his knock.</p>

<p>Leg-spinner Yasir Shah was unlucky not to be amongst wickets, having dropped Mitchell Marsh off his own bowling for two and wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed missing a stump in the first session with Khawaja on 17.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day Finch was more confident as he punched two boundaries and a six off Yasir before sweeping Asif for a boundary to reach his half-century.</p>

<p>Khawaja, the Pakistan-born batsman, improved upon his previous best score in Asia of 26, made against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2011, by reaching his 13th Test half-century.</p>


Debutant Pakistan off-spinner Bilal Asif led an Australian collapse with four wickets on the third day of the first Test in Dubai on Tuesday. The 33-year-old took his wickets off 22 balls as Australia slumped from a solid opening stand of 142-0 to be struggling on 180-5 at tea on a Dubai stadium pitch which has started to take a sharp turn.

Debutant Pakistan off-spinner Bilal Asif led an Australian collapse with four wickets on the third day of the first Test in Dubai on Tuesday. The 33-year-old took his wickets off 22 balls as Australia slumped from a solid opening stand of 142-0 to be struggling on 180-5 at tea on a Dubai stadium pitch which has started to take a sharp turn. At the break, Mitchell Marsh was ten not out and skipper Tim Paine on six, as Australia are still 302 runs behind Pakistan's first innings total of 482 and need another 103 runs to avoid the follow-on. It was a total contrast from the pre-lunch session when Australia -- resuming at 30-0 - reached 137 without loss with both Usman Khawaja and debutant Aaron Finch defying Pakistani spinners during their resistance-packed stand. But the second session belonged to Asif, who dismissed Usman Khawaja (85), Shaun Marsh (seven), Travis Head (nought) and Marnus Labuschagne (nought) in the space of 29 runs. Asif has figures of 4-28 in 17 overs. Pakistan, though, were put on track by seamer Mohammad Abbas who forced Finch to drive straight into the hands of Asad Shafiq at short mid-on after scoring 62. Khawaja hit eight fours before miscuing a premeditated sweep and was caught at short leg while Finch had five boundaries and a six in his knock. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah was unlucky not to be amongst wickets, having dropped Mitchell Marsh off his own bowling for two and wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed missing a stump in the first session with Khawaja on 17. Earlier in the day Finch was more confident as he punched two boundaries and a six off Yasir before sweeping Asif for a boundary to reach his half-century. Khawaja, the Pakistan-born batsman, improved upon his previous best score in Asia of 26, made against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2011, by reaching his 13th Test half-century.

Debutant off-spinner Bilal Asif rocks Australia in first Test

<p>During his playing days, Shoaib Akhtar spearheaded Pakistan's fiery bowling attack and was fondly known as the ‘Rawalpindi Express’. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from a few players, every batsman would just succumb to his pace attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among those is legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who played him like a boss, especially during their ICC World Cup 2003 match in South Africa.</p>

<p>Recently, the former speedster was at the receiving end of trolls on Twitter after he called himself the 'Don of Cricket'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Don of cricket as they called me but never enjoyed hurting people but I must say when I was out there I just ran in for the love of my country &amp; for the people around the world ..", Akhtar had captioned.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Don of cricket as they called me but never enjoyed hurting people but I must say when I was out there I just ran in for the love of my country &amp; for the people around the world .. <a href="https://t.co/be84Y2yYl5">pic.twitter.com/be84Y2yYl5</a></p>
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1048828120814551040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>His post, however, didn't go down well with the fans as they responded to his tweet with videos of batting legend Sachin Tendulkar hammering him and other Pakistan bowlers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A fan also shared a video of Shoaib Akhtar getting hit all over the park in India's match against Pakistan in their 2003 World Cup encounter in South Africa.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How can you forget this gem from <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a> !!<br />
Smashing you my friend.<br />
You were also winning asia cup this time..😂 <a href="https://t.co/jyFgga9EXc">pic.twitter.com/jyFgga9EXc</a></p>
— Gautam (@TheMystic19) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMystic19/status/1048829069800820742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is not T20 match.<br />
Credit goes to <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a> <a href="https://t.co/XQ2BufCC65">pic.twitter.com/XQ2BufCC65</a></p>
— சரண்யா (@saranya01998) <a href="https://twitter.com/saranya01998/status/1048893582130565120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Baap... Baap Hota Hai<br />
Beta... Beta Hota hai<a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@virendersehwag</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shoaib100mph</a> <a href="https://t.co/uoNuoHrBOV">pic.twitter.com/uoNuoHrBOV</a></p>
— ANKIT (@SRKpePHD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SRKpePHD/status/1049095414471774209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Akhtar claimed more than 400 wickets during his international cricket career that spanned over a decade. He represented Pakistan in 46 Tests and 163 ODIs. Along with that, Akhtar also represented his country in 15 T20I's.</p>


During his playing days, Shoaib Akhtar spearheaded Pakistan's fiery bowling attack and was fondly known as the ‘Rawalpindi Express’. Apart from a few players, every batsman would just succumb to his pace attack.

During his playing days, Shoaib Akhtar spearheaded Pakistan's fiery bowling attack and was fondly known as the ‘Rawalpindi Express’. Apart from a few players, every batsman would just succumb to his pace attack. Among those is legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who played him like a boss, especially during their ICC World Cup 2003 match in South Africa. Recently, the former speedster was at the receiving end of trolls on Twitter after he called himself the 'Don of Cricket'. "Don of cricket as they called me but never enjoyed hurting people but I must say when I was out there I just ran in for the love of my country & for the people around the world ..", Akhtar had captioned. Don of cricket as they called me but never enjoyed hurting people but I must say when I was out there I just ran in for the love of my country & for the people around the world .. pic.twitter.com/be84Y2yYl5 — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 7, 2018 × His post, however, didn't go down well with the fans as they responded to his tweet with videos of batting legend Sachin Tendulkar hammering him and other Pakistan bowlers. A fan also shared a video of Shoaib Akhtar getting hit all over the park in India's match against Pakistan in their 2003 World Cup encounter in South Africa. How can you forget this gem from @sachin_rt !! Smashing you my friend. You were also winning asia cup this time..😂 pic.twitter.com/jyFgga9EXc — Gautam (@TheMystic19) October 7, 2018 × This is not T20 match. Credit goes to @sachin_rt pic.twitter.com/XQ2BufCC65 — சரண்யா (@saranya01998) October 7, 2018 × Baap... Baap Hota Hai Beta... Beta Hota hai@sachin_rt @virendersehwag @shoaib100mph pic.twitter.com/uoNuoHrBOV — ANKIT (@SRKpePHD) October 8, 2018 × Akhtar claimed more than 400 wickets during his international cricket career that spanned over a decade. He represented Pakistan in 46 Tests and 163 ODIs. Along with that, Akhtar also represented his country in 15 T20I's.

This is the price Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar paid for calling himself 'Don of Cricket' 

<p>Former Pakistan Cricket Team Captain and Coach Waqar Younis has apologised to fans for cutting a cake on Wasim Akram`s birthday during the month of Ramzan.</p>

<p>"Apologise to everyone for cutting cake on Waseem Bhai`s birthday yesterday. We should have respected Ramadan and the people who were fasting ????. It was a poor act on our behalf #SORRY," he tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Apologise to everyone for cutting cake on Waseem Bhai’s birthday yesterday..We should have respected Ramadan and the people who were fasting ??. It was a poor act on our behalf <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SORRY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SORRY</a></p>
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) <a href="https://twitter.com/waqyounis99/status/1003558416009318400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The celebration happened during the second Test match between England and Pakistan in Headlingley.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">While Pakistan’s misery continued onfield the press box celebrated <a href="https://twitter.com/wasimakramlive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wasimakramlive</a> birthday! Lots of ? A very happy birthday to a living legend..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPak?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPak</a> <a href="https://t.co/V7Vr3rDFnN">pic.twitter.com/V7Vr3rDFnN</a></p>
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZAbbasOfficial/status/1003292366965526529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Both Younis and Akram drew flak from fans and followers for celebrating the birthday during Ramzan.&nbsp;</p>


The celebration happened during the second Test match between England and Pakistan in Headlingley

Former Pakistan Cricket Team Captain and Coach Waqar Younis has apologised to fans for cutting a cake on Wasim Akram`s birthday during the month of Ramzan. "Apologise to everyone for cutting cake on Waseem Bhai`s birthday yesterday. We should have respected Ramadan and the people who were fasting ????. It was a poor act on our behalf #SORRY," he tweeted. Apologise to everyone for cutting cake on Waseem Bhai’s birthday yesterday..We should have respected Ramadan and the people who were fasting ??. It was a poor act on our behalf #SORRY — Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) June 4, 2018 × The celebration happened during the second Test match between England and Pakistan in Headlingley. While Pakistan’s misery continued onfield the press box celebrated @wasimakramlive birthday! Lots of ? A very happy birthday to a living legend..#ENGvPak pic.twitter.com/V7Vr3rDFnN — zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) June 3, 2018 × Both Younis and Akram drew flak from fans and followers for celebrating the birthday during Ramzan.

Waqar Younis apologises for cutting Wasim's birthday cake during Ramzan

<p>A video of kid bowling with pace and accuracy on a terrace has captured the imagination of cricket lovers in Pakistan.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I just recieved this video and don&rsquo;t know about this brilliant kid, want to know your thoughts abt this terrific bowling. <a href="https://twitter.com/wasimakramlive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wasimakramlive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shoaib100mph</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/iramizraja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iramizraja</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SAfridiOfficial</a> <a href="https://t.co/8JPRQNHlfj">pic.twitter.com/8JPRQNHlfj</a></p>
&mdash; Faizan Ramzan (@faizanramzank) <a href="https://twitter.com/faizanramzank/status/968577555593822208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The boy with left-handed bowling action is seen in the video bowling with such pace and venom that even Pakistani bowling legend Wasim Akram couldn&#39;t resist talking about him.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Where is this boy??? We have serious talent flowing through the veins of our nation and no platform for these kids to be discovered. It&rsquo;s time we do something about it <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheFutureOfCricketIsWithOurYouth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheFutureOfCricketIsWithOurYouth</a> <a href="https://t.co/ybzd5ASeTx">https://t.co/ybzd5ASeTx</a></p>
&mdash; Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) <a href="https://twitter.com/wasimakramlive/status/968733106176970754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The boy in successive deliveries brings down the stumps in true &quot;Wasim fashion&quot; and even manages to bowl a few of inswinging yorkers.</p>

<p>However, there is no information where the boy is from although several cricket fans have urged authorities to look for him and induct him in cricket training programme.</p>

<p>A legend in the making? Who knows...</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I don&rsquo;t have any contact but sure Insha Allah he will be found</p>
&mdash; Faizan Ramzan (@faizanramzank) <a href="https://twitter.com/faizanramzank/status/969201878851604480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


There is no information where the boy is from although several cricket fans have urged authorities to look for him

A video of kid bowling with pace and accuracy on a terrace has captured the imagination of cricket lovers in Pakistan. I just recieved this video and don’t know about this brilliant kid, want to know your thoughts abt this terrific bowling. @wasimakramlive @shoaib100mph @iramizraja @SAfridiOfficial pic.twitter.com/8JPRQNHlfj — Faizan Ramzan (@faizanramzank) February 27, 2018 × The boy with left-handed bowling action is seen in the video bowling with such pace and venom that even Pakistani bowling legend Wasim Akram couldn't resist talking about him. Where is this boy??? We have serious talent flowing through the veins of our nation and no platform for these kids to be discovered. It’s time we do something about it #TheFutureOfCricketIsWithOurYouth https://t.co/ybzd5ASeTx — Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) February 28, 2018 × The boy in successive deliveries brings down the stumps in true "Wasim fashion" and even manages to bowl a few of inswinging yorkers. However, there is no information where the boy is from although several cricket fans have urged authorities to look for him and induct him in cricket training programme. A legend in the making? Who knows... I don’t have any contact but sure Insha Allah he will be found — Faizan Ramzan (@faizanramzank) March 1, 2018 ×

Watch: 'Who is this boy,' asks Wasim Akram, video goes viral