England's youngest men's Test player took a five-wicket haul on debut on day three in Karachi to put the tourists on the brink of a series whitewash
Rehan Ahmed says it was a "dream come true" to claim a five-wicket haul on day three in Karachi as his record-breaking England Test debut against Pakistan hit new heights.
The Leicestershire legspinner claimed 5 for 48 as the hosts were dismissed for 216 in their second innings.
It meant that Ahmed became the youngest debutant to take a five-for in men's Tests.
He was already assured of a place in the history books after becoming England's youngest male Test player having been named in the XI for the third Test.
Captain Ben Stokes held the 18-year-old back until the 42nd over of the day but he wasted little time upon eventually being thrown the ball.
Ahmed had to wait for his chance - but took full advantage once it came (Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
"From not bowling in the first session to taking five wickets is a dream come true," he told Sky Sports.
"I was enjoying it anyway, loving it out there. It was great to get the ball after three hours."
Ahmed ripped through Pakistan's middle order, which included accounting for Babar Azam (54) and Mohammad Rizwan (7), to leave England needing just 167 to secure a 3-0 series whitewash.
"You bowl better balls and you don't get wickets so to get one of his (Babar) wickets was great," he added.
"I've been working on that (leg-spinner) for the last two months, some side spin so that was nice to get one to go through (and dismiss Rizwan).
"I feel quite comfortable in practice but I don't have the confidence in a game just yet. It is getting more practice and hopefully bringing it into a game."
Central to Ahmed's development has been studying other legspinners, including Shane Warne, and using those examples to develop his own approach.
"Just watching a lot of cricket, a lot of Shane Warne," he added. "We've done a lot of work watching other people and trying to practice and get your own feel and not trying to be someone else.
"Nothing happens without the will of god. You have to remember god when you do well and when you do badly."
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