'He Doesn't Have Any Strokes', Ex-Captain Urges PAK To Drop Imam For Sydney Test
Imam has had a horrendous run in AUS Tests [AP]
In order to succeed in Australian conditions, the role of the opener becomes highly crucial, as they are required to play out probing spells and then convert their hard work into massive runs. However, the ongoing three-match Test series against Australia has been highly disappointing for Pakistan's Imam-Ul-Haq.
In the recently concluded second Test in Melbourne, Imam made just 22 runs across both innings, while Pakistan lost the encounter by 79 runs.
Former opener and captain Salman Butt has come down hard on Haq, who has managed just 94 runs in the first two Tests, which includes a 62 in Perth as well.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Butt stated that the 28-year-old does not have any strokes and should be replaced by youngster Saim Ayub.
Here's what Butt said
"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."
The former Kolkata Knight Riders player also had words of advice for captain Shan Masood, who has looked like the best Pakistan batter thus far in the series.
"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."
Masood and Co. will look to deny Australia a clean sweep when both teams clash in the third and final Test on January 3 at Sydney Cricket Ground.
 "Vishal Mehra")
