Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has drawn a comparison between Pakistan pacer Mohammad Ali and Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis after noticing similarities in their bowling actions during the second Test at Lord’s.
Steyn, one of the most prolific fast bowlers in Test history with 439 wickets from 93 matches, took to social media platform X to point out similarities between Ali and Stoinis.
The former Proteas pacer highlighted their run-ups, gathering movements and bowling pace while wondering whether Ali had taken inspiration from the Australian all-rounder.
“A lot of Ali’s action reminds me of Marcus Stoinis. The run up, the gather, similar pace. I’d love to ask him if he based himself off Stoin by any chance. Anyone else notice that?” Steyn wrote.
The observation came after Ali impressed during the opening day of the second Test, where Pakistan produced a strong bowling performance to put England under significant pressure.
Ali claimed three wickets from 17 overs, dismissing Harry Brook, Jamie Smith and Ollie Robinson.
Mohammad Abbas was even more influential, finishing the rain-affected day with four wickets from 15 overs as Pakistan reduced England to 248-9 in 50 overs.
READ: Saim Ayub hits maiden T20 century as Jamaica Kingsmen edge Patriots
Abbas removed Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Joe Root and Jofra Archer, while Khurram Shahzad accounted for Jordan Cox. England’s innings was twice interrupted by rain and later bad light, further limiting their time at the crease.
Jamie Smith top-scored with a fighting 61 off 80 balls, striking 10 boundaries, while Cox made 55 from 105 deliveries with seven fours.
Gus Atkinson was unbeaten on 34 off just 27 balls at stumps, with Josh Tongue on one, as England prepared to resume their innings on day two with only one wicket remaining.
