Warne backs 'heroic' Ahmed to be 'surprise element' for Oz in Ashes

Australian spin legend Shane Warne has backed Pakistani-born leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed, saying that he believes that Ahmed can become an unlikely Ashes hero for Australia in England.

Former refugee Ahmed, having fled his native Pakistan in 2010, will be eligible if minor changes to Australia's citizenship legislation pass through parliament in the next few weeks, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

The report further said that Australia have only one spinner in their 16-man squad in Nathan Lyon, adding that many feel that Ahmed could be of more use to Michael Clarke's men when they try to regain the Ashes from England in the series starting in July.

Believing that Ahmed could be the missing piece of the jigsaw when it comes to Australia's chances of regaining the Ashes urn, Warne said that Ahmed is a good leg-spinner and is crucial since Australia is lacking in spin despite having a good quick bowling attack.

According to Warne, the mature Ahmed could be a surprise element and does not get flustered about anything, adding that if anyone under-estimates Australia in the Ashes, they will do so at their own peril.

Wishing Ahmed luck for a positive outcome on his documentation process, Warne further said that Ahmed, despite going through a very tough time, has acted courageously and is an inspiration to entire Australia.

Ahmed has only played three first-class matches for Victoria but has taken 16 wickets in that time, the report added.