Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram shared that it was Shahid Afridi and not Virender Sehwag who brought the change in the opening of the batting in Test cricket.

“In Test cricket, Sehwag came later but in 1999-2000 Shahid Afridi changed the mindset of opening in Test cricket. Even if I was the bowler, I would know that I can get him out but also know that he can hit me for boundaries. He used to hit lose deliveries for sixes at will,” said Wasim Akram while chatting with Afridi on a YouTube chat show.

Many in the cricketing circle, including David Warner also, think that it was India opener Virender Sehwag who changed the game in Test cricket. On the other hand, Wasim Akram said that Shahid Afridi, who made his debut as an opener in Test cricket against Australia way back in 1998, did some unthinkable and with this, the all-rounder made his name as a Test batsman as well.

Afridi scored his maiden Test century in the first Test at Chennai and helped Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the series which the visitors went on to win 2-1 as well.

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“I called Imran Khan before the tour selection. I told him ‘skipper I want to take Shahid Afridi on tour but a few selectors were against it. He told me ‘You should definitely take him, he will win a one-two Test matches and make him open the batting’,” said the former left-arm pacer. “I generally discussed a lot with Imran, sometimes before the tour, sometimes during the tour and his suggestions always came in handy.”

“What a knock it was on that Chennai track. Afridi used to dance down the track and hit (Anil) Kumble and (Suni) Joshi for sixes,” Wasim Akram said again.

Although Afridi failed to be a renowned Test player as he managed to play just 27 Tests for Pakistan and scored just five centuries. On the other hand, Sehwag played for India in 104 Test matches and scored 23 centuries which included 2 triple centuries as well.