Nasser Hussain has a big prediction for star batter Saim Ayub

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has made an important prediction about young Pakistani opener Saim Ayub.

In a podcast with Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain included Saim Ayub in his list of the next generation's "Fab Four" cricketers. Alongside Saim, Hussain nominated England's Harry Brook and India's Yashasvi Jaiswal. His fourth pick was Australia's Travis Head, though Atherton questioned this choice due to Head's age.

When asked who could be the next "Fab Four" of cricket, Hussain said, "Saim Ayub has the potential to be a dynamic player for Pakistan." He highlighted Saim's recent injury, saying, "It's uncertain if he will be fit for the Champions Trophy. Saim could become an important top-order player for Pakistan in all formats."

On the other hand, Mike Atherton selected Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis, New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra, England's Harry Brook, and India's Yashasvi Jaiswal for the next "Fab Four."

What is the "Fab Four"?

The term "Fab Four" was introduced by former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe in 2013. He predicted that "Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith would dominate cricket for the next decade." His prediction came true. Whether Hussain and Atherton's predictions will come true remains to be seen.

Currently, Saim Ayub is undergoing treatment in London after a severe ankle injury during the Cape Town Test against South Africa. His participation in the Champions Trophy is uncertain.

So far, Saim has played only nine One Day Internationals (ODIs), scoring three centuries and one half-century. His standout performances in the ODI series against South Africa, where he scored two centuries, helped Pakistan achieve their first-ever series whitewash against the Proteas. 

Saim Ayub's future looks bright, and he is a player to watch in the coming years.