ISLAMABAD: Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah, who has been missing from action for months due to a shoulder injury, has started the “final stage” of his rehabilitation program, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Wednesday. 

Shah, a potent fast bowler with lethal outswingers and blistering pace in his armory, is considered one of the most dangerous pacers in modern cricket. The 19-year-old Pakistani pacer suffered a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka in September, after which he underwent surgery in the United Kingdom. 

Shah’s absence from the national team was a major setback for Pakistan in the 50-over World Cup in India. In his absence, his new ball partner Shaheen Shah Afridi and fellow pacers Haris Rauf and Hassan Ali conceded expensive runs during the showpiece tournament. 

“Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah started the final stage of his rehabilitation today at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore,” the PCB said. 

The PCB said Shah remained in the UK for two months after his surgery for rehabilitation and initial training, adding that the cricket board covered his medical costs. 

“He received continuous care from a team of expert medical staff,” it said. 

The board said Shah’s rehabilitation is being continued at the NCA under the care of a strength and conditioning coach, a physiotherapist and a doctor. 

“Currently, he is doing light gym exercises and partial bowling practice and will start batting tomorrow [Thursday],” the board said. 

Shah made his international debut for Pakistan against Australia in Brisbane in November 2019. Over the years, he has cemented his place in Pakistan’s playing XI in all three formats of the game, and impressed fans and critics alike. 

He has taken an impressive 51 Test wickets from 17 matches at an average of 33.82. In 14 ODIs, he has managed to take 32 wickets at an average of 16.96 and has 15 wickets from 19 T20Is at an average of 34.66.