Imam-Ul-Haq has been the talking point in Pakistan cricketing circuit due to various reasons. Be his relationship with Pakistani former great Inzamam Ul Haq or his antic statements at the press conference which seems over boosting without an effect sometimes. However from being the consistent white ball performer in the past, Imam-ul-haq‘s career has been a topsy turvy ride questioning his place as the opener in the Pakistan squad.
In the recent test series vs Australia , Pakistan after a drubbing of 360 runs in first test at Perth received another defeat by 79 runs at the MCG thus losing the series 2-0 to Australia with the 3rd test only a formality left to see whether Australia completes a whitewash. Pakistan’s batting collapses in both the matches started from the openers with both Abdullah Shafique and Imam-Ul-Haq failing miserably to face the hostile Australian bowling attack.
Imams scores in the four innings stands 62,10 ,10, 12 summing up-to 94 runs in 4 innings as an opener in the series. These runs scored at low averages and strike rates has resulted in the downfall of Pakistani batting performance in chasing totals in both the matches. More than the runs, Imam’ s technique and inability to produce shots other than flick and his vulnerability against quality Australian pacers has raised questions regarding his ability to adjust in Australian conditions.
This constant failure from Imam has irked former Pakistani opener left hander Salman Butt who now has raised concerns about Imam’s place in the Pakistani playing 11.
Imam-ul-haq can be replaced by Saim Ayub- Salman Butt
Former Pakistan captain opener and left handed batter Salman Butt feels the Asian side should consider bringing in 21-year-old opening batter Saim Ayub to the team. He reckons the youngster should replace Imam-ul-Haq for the upcoming third and final Test of the ongoing series against Australia.
Australia secured a 79-run victory in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The Men in Green failed to chase down a 317-run target in the fourth inning. Imam performed underwhelmingly in both innings, registering scores of 10 and 12.
About the southpaw’s batting exploits, Salman Butt said that the batter doesn’t have any attacking shots in his arsenal. The former cricketer-turned-expert said in his latest YouTube video:
“He can be replaced by Saim Ayub for the last Test. From what I have seen, Imam-ul-Haq does not have any strokes. There are no run-scoring shots at all. The only shot he plays is the flick. He won’t go for the ball, considering that he struggled with short balls even in India,”
Skipper Shan Masood was the top performer with the bat for Pakistan in the run chase, scoring 60 runs off 71 balls. Salman Butt suggested that the batter needs to convert his half-centuries into big scores.
Butt also pointed out how Masood erred by continuing his counterattacking approach against Pat Cummins adding:
“With the command and control he has shown with the bat, I want to see him score a big hundred. He could have hit a century this time as he looked very comfortable at the crease. When you are playing really well, and then the opposition captain comes to bowl, who is equally good, you need to change your momentum. He is mature enough to know these things,”
Pakistan were bowled out for 237 in their second innings. Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, finishing with a stunning five-wicket haul.
Everyone talks about Ben Stokes, but it is Pat Cummins who has done wonders
Salman Butt reserved high praise for Australia captain Pat Cummins, highlighting how the pacer has done an incredible job while being at the helm of the team.
He mentioned that Cummins has never shied away from taking responsibility and helped his team achieve massive success across formats, saying:
“Pat Cummins has Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, but he comes to bowl himself when Australia are desperate for a wicket. His spells have been the turning point of this series. Taking that responsibility is something that makes him a great leader,”
“Everyone talks about Ben Stokes, but it is Pat Cummins who has done wonders despite having limited resources.” he concluded.
It is worth mentioning that under Cummins’ leadership, Australia won the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup earlier this year.
The third and final Test between Australia and Pakistan will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, commencing on January 3 and it would be interesting to see how Pakistan now turns up to avoid whitewash versus Australia Down Under.