George Bailey says everyone is proud of Fawad Ahmed

Australia Twenty20 captain George Bailey believes Fawad Ahmed will become a match-winner for his adopted country after he took his first full international wickets. Leg-spinner Ahmed's return of three wickets for 25 runs on Saturday from his maximum four overs couldn't prevent Australia losing the second T20 International at Chester-le-Street by 27 runs as England...

Australia Twenty20 captain George Bailey believes Fawad Ahmed will become a match-winner for his adopted country after he took his first full international wickets.

Leg-spinner Ahmed's return of three wickets for 25 runs on Saturday from his maximum four overs couldn't prevent Australia losing the second T20 International at Chester-le-Street by 27 runs as England levelled the two-match series at 1-1, but it may yet have more enduring significance than the raw result.

It was Ahmed who ended England's opening partnership of 111 when he induced Michael Lumb to top-edge a sweep to wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, a wicket the bowler greeted with a kiss to the skies.

And having been entrusted with the 20th and final over by Bailey, Ahmed responded by dismissing both Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler — bowled first ball — as England finished on 195 for five. Ahmed's return was timely after he took none for 43 on debut during Australia's 39-run win in the first T20 at Southampton on Thursday.

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