Rehan Ahmed made history on his Test debut by becoming the youngest-ever player to take a five-wicket haul in the format. Despite his early success, including 22 wickets from five matches during England’s sub-continent assignments, Ahmed hasn’t really secured a regular spot in the Test squad. Rehan Ahmed was notably absent in the recent home series against India, even when first-choice spinner Shoaib Bashir was injured.
However, Rehan Ahmed has strengthened his credentials ahead of the crucial Ashes series Down Under with an impressive domestic season for Leicestershire. Rehan scored 760 runs in 10 matches which includes five centuries and also he has taken 23 wickets. This performance has positioned him as a promising all-round spin bowling prospect.
Rehan Ahmed Gives His Thoughts on the skills he possesses.
Speaking to Telegraph Sport, Rehan Ahmed said: “I still fell like I’m a bowler who bowls and a batter who can bat.”
He also expressed satisfaction with his recent batting form and confidence in his abilities. He said: “I want to be very good at both. Whether that takes me years or happens quickly, I will always be striving to be the best all-rounder I can. I feel that if I occupy the crease long enough, I will always find ways to score. I just had to find a way to stay out there long enough. I am surprised that I’ve kept my head switched on long enough to get five hundreds, but I’m delighted.”
Rehan Ahmed’s Thoughts on being compared to Steve Smith.
When asked about comparisons to Steve Smith, who began as a leg-spinning all-rounder before becoming a legendary batter, Rehan Ahmed reaffirmed that bowling is his primary skill. “I love bowling, too! Whenever I’ve played for England, it’s been as a bowler. I still do think that’s my first skill and I am trying to learn as much as I possibly can.”
“Leg spin is an art that you can never perfect. It’s about working as hard as possible. I want to bowl as much as I possibly can. I enjoy it. I love being part of the game as much as I can. So I just want to get runs and a load of wickets consistently in the same games.”
Rehan Ahmed gives his thoughts on the prospect of going to Australia.
Although Rehan Ahmed is excited about the prospect of participating in the Ashes, he remains grounded, acknowledging that the final decision on selection lies with the management.
“I’ve never been to Australia, never played there. It looks a great place to play, and the Ashes is an incredible occasion. I’d love to be a part of it. I know the management, if they pick me, they back me 100 per cent. If they don’t, it’s because they don’t think I’m the right man for the job there. I have full faith in their judgement.”
“If you asked any man on the street if they wanted to play in the Ashes, they’d jump at the chance. If I don’t go, it’ll be a great watch.”
It remains to be seen whether Rehan Ahmed gets his call-up for Ashes 2025-26. England have a few options should Shoaib Bashir be not fit to go to England. There is Liam Dawson and who can forget Jack Leach who will be itching to come back because he is a proper bowler. But Rehan brings the all-round ability and is a better batter than the aforementioned names. Can his bowling do the job Down Under remains to be seen.
Ultimately, it will be the team management’s call as to who they want to bring in as a spinner when we get closer to action time. Rehan has done well in the County Circuit and many experts are calling for his inclusion in the Ashes XI ahead of the other spinners.
We shall see how things unfold and whether Rehan gets a look-in to the Ashes squad when England picks their final squad sometime in October-November 2025.
Also Read: Ashes 2025-26: David Lloyd Picks England XI For Ashes Against Australia