“My main target will be Steven Smith" : Mohammad Irfan

[jeetu]

http://tribune.com.pk/story/1279543/irfan-says-will-target-aussie-batsman-upcoming-odi-series/

Irfan says he will target this Aussie batsman in upcoming ODI series

World’s tallest bowler Muhammad Irfan says he is looking forward to playing on the bouncy pitches of Australia and will target in-form Aussie captain Steven Smith after being selected in Pakistan’s ODI squad for the five-match ODI series, which begins from January 13 at the Gabba.

“I am the only bowler with this sort of height so I feel I have an advantage over others which I will use on the bouncy pitches of Australia to take wickets,” Irfan told The Express Tribune.

“My main target will be Smith, who is in good form right now but as my bounce is unusual I will try to use it to bowl him out.”

Much was expected of Irfan during the 2014 World Cup in Australia, and while he didn’t tank completely, he didn’t live up to the expectations either, something he feels he would set right this time.

“I had difficulty in the first two matches in the World Cup but now I am familiar with those pitches and will bowl the deliveries needed to take wickets,” he said.

The recalled Irfan also expressed his gratitude for the selectors, saying “I am really thankful to the selectors and team management who have trusted me by including me in the team. I will make sure to use this chance to prove myself.”

He also briefly discussed his fitness, which according to him is at its optimum level, thanks to the time has spent playing cricket in the domestic circuit.

 

[Mamoon]

Where was this height advantage two years ago in Australia where you were useless barring two games, and weren't even in the top 10 wicket-takers and broke down before the knockout, while the deluded folks here thought you would be the stand out pacer in the tournament.

Yes yes now he has 'learned' to bowl on those pitches so I'm looking forward to him destroying the Australian batsmen.

He had been rubbish for two years but keeps getting picked because the selectors have sympathy for him.

 

[Gilly]

In ODI's Irfan has only played two matches in Australia, once against India 0/58 and Zim 4/22.

The only matches against Australia have been in the UAE and that didn't go well for him.

 

[static]

lol, this isn't going to end well for irfan. He should concentrate on getting through a whole game first, then he can target who ever he wants.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

He bowls short and after 2 overs he becomes a trundler. OZ batters will feast on him.

Also means our tail becomes worse and he cannot field. What an awful selection. You really have to be inept to select a 34 year old clumsy giant who has not performed time and time again.

Afridi was right to drop him in 2010.

 

[Madplayer]

irfan and his targets.

 

[Navdeep Srivastava]

Actually he can target Smith, he can be very good odi bowler, but he will be liability in big Australian grounds, and can get injured.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

He will trouble Smith if :

1. He stays fit throughout the series.

2. Consistently bowls 140+ kph.

3. Doesn't get slower than 135kph in his last two spells except for change up deliveries.

4. Doesn't get carried away with bounce and use short deliveries as a surprise with heavy balls only and bowls mainly in good length and fuller lengths.

 

[Vivek_86]

This is like Deer saying tiger is its target

 

[Nikhil_cric]

He will be the one targeted by OZ batsmen . They will smash his 130 kph pies all over the ground in his 2nd and 3rd spells.

 

[Gilly]

He should have targeted Warner first, Smith may not get a bat.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Your main target should be bowling for more than 5 overs without injuring yourself and limping off the field. Also another target should be not allowing the batsmen to run 3 after hitting the ball straight to you at short fine leg.

 

[moghul]

Oh for God sake Irfan. If you're lucky enough to be selected for unknown reason, just keep quite and make sure you bowl at least 5 over at 128-129 pace at least . Hope you will not become unfit in mid-tour this time.

I hate when Pakistani players start making "Barkain" against players like Smith and Kohli.

 

[kingusama92]

I'm scared he'll break down from jet lag.

 

[The_KING]

I hope he makes it out of the pavilion without injuring himself.

 

[Asif321]

your target should be to bowl 5 overs

 

[The intelligent Supporter]

People being way too harsh on Irfan. Hope he stays fit

In our ODI series in South Africa he was very vital and he is our best chance to get an early break trough ( Amir has not been able to do that for us much. )

And once we get someone inside first few overs, our attack gets much more threatening ( imad etc)..when we dont get first blood in the 10 years or so

 

[Pete Rose]

He will be a weapon if fit. Most of pp is right to be Sceptical

 

[Mamoon]

People being way too harsh on Irfan. Hope he stays fit

In our ODI series in South Africa he was very vital and he is our best chance to get an early break trough ( Amir has not been able to do that for us much. )

And once we get someone inside first few overs, our attack gets much more threatening ( imad etc)..when we dont get first blood in the 10 years or so

That series was 3 years ago.

 

[Nothing matters]

His target should be to not get injured before he reaches australia.

 

[The intelligent Supporter]

That series was 3 years ago.

he also had really good opening spells in WC2015.. I loved his spell against SA in wc 2015 as well and with his bounce and genuine pace ( when eh tries he can go mid 140s) we will love for him to soften a few aussies and take an early wicket ( His unusual height might make him hard to play for new aussie middle order)

I agree with people who are saying he is really bad for our tail's batting ability but if he gets 2 or 3 wickets I am fine with that

 

[waleed88]

Last performance, injured after 4 overs.. Mickey Arthur was furious.. Why do we keep recalling this guy?
There is a clear disconnect between coach, and selection committee..

Inzamam has been a failiure a chief selector... he makes zero sense, 6 left handed bowlers in the squad.. what is he thinking seriously?
No wonder a bowler like Mohammad Khalil played under his captaincy..

 

[Saj]

Main target should be to complete a 10 over stint without having to go off the field with some sort of injury or fitness issue.

 

[petercat]

These statements look great if your name is Wasim Akram or Glenn Mcgarth et al,looks foolish otherwise.

 

[ExplicitAI]

Aus will most likely see him out in his first spell and then cart him every in his second. Absolute liability as a bowler.

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

Your main target should be bowling for more than 5 overs without injuring yourself and limping off the field. Also another target should be not allowing the batsmen to run 3 after hitting the ball straight to you at short fine leg.

Guys, please check recent performances before critising players. Irfan bowled a total of 32 overs in The WAPDA vs HBL final. I'm pretty sure he will bowl all his overs comfortably. He just needs to keep his pace at 135+ KPH throughout the 10 overs and he will surely get wickets.

Not sure about the fielding tho. Might as well put him at midwicket so that he catch certain sixes from 10-11 feet above the ground ��

 

[The intelligent Supporter]

Aus will most likely see him out in his first spell and then cart him every in his second. Absolute liability as a bowler.

At least they will see out a bowler.. With bowlers like Wahab and Rahat that also is an achievement despite jsut first spell

And him paired with Amir is our best chance to take out aussie top order .whicch if elft for 10 overs will take it 350+ most times

 

[Sunny786]

Warner is going to eat him alive

 

[The intelligent Supporter]

Warner is going to eat him alive

or the opposite? A full blooded warner cut could end up in Point's hands because of the height and boucne that Irfan beings to table. It is not going to be chest high wide stuff like Wahab gives

 

[The_KING]

He should bowl his opening spell of 4-5 overs and then go off the field to recover. Then come back on the field to bowl his second spell.

 

[Rayyman]

I know this won't happen, but I want Amir and Hasan opening the bowling. This could potentially be a very good new ball pair. The order could go- Amir, Hasan, Irfan, Imad, Wahab. Realistically, I want- Amir, Irfan, Hasan, Imad, Wahab.

 

[Buffet]

What's the point of playing Irfan? He is neither going to play for years nor looks fit enough to bowl even 10 overs with full flow. Unless his fitness has changed a lot then I stand corrected. Last time he looked unfit to play international cricket to me.

 

[Rayyman]

What's the point of playing Irfan? He is neither going to play for years nor looks fit enough to bowl even 10 overs with full flow. Unless his fitness has changed a lot then I stand corrected. Last time he looked unfit to play international cricket to me.

Well he was bowling lots of overs in 1st-class cricket. So I think he is fit.

 

[ExplicitAI]

At least they will see out a bowler.. With bowlers like Wahab and Rahat that also is an achievement despite jsut first spell

And him paired with Amir is our best chance to take out aussie top order .whicch if elft for 10 overs will take it 350+ most times

Rahat is as mediocre as they come. A big liability on a cricket ground.

 

[JaDed]

Bigger grounds of Australia ,he would be liability in the field although the bounce on the offer could be great.

 

[786warrior]

Main target should be to complete a 10 over stint without having to go off the field with some sort of injury or fitness issue.

Damn bro, I was just scrolling down to post a similar yorker!

 

[Deewana Mastana]

You're main target should be to stay on the field for the entire time and bowl your full overs if you are bowling well.

 

[Saj]

Damn bro, I was just scrolling down to post a similar yorker!

haha

I'm actually shocked that Mickey has agreed (if he actually has), to Irfan's selection after what happened in England.

 

[Zohaib Shah]

Awful selection. Bring back Junaid Khan.

 

[Hasan123]

Just concentrate on bowling 10 overs without getting injured than we'll take it from there.

 

[Justcrazy]

Awful selection. Bring back Junaid Khan.

Junaid has the heart to get the reverse.

 

[Zohaib Shah]

Junaid has the heart to get the reverse.

Junaid at his best is better than Wahab, Rahat, Irfan, and Sohail. I am sure he will be way more effective than Amir who has not bought a wicket in the second Test.

Wahab has been hot or cold through out his career. I feel like its time the management makes a big decision on him. Besides being the fastest bowler we have. He brings in nothing to the side.

 

[Abdul]

His main target should be bowling ten overs in a game without injuring himself and then his second target should be not bowling garbage.

 

[Gilly]

People think that the extra bounce is going to bother the Aussies, wake up people they face that all the time. Its not like the Aussie batsmen have never face tall bowlers trundling in bowling 135kmh at them before.

 

[Square Drive]

Forgot what happened last time you took the field (or didn't take it, in fact)?

 

[msb314]

His main target should be to complete a few overs economically and take wickets without breaking down or limping off.

 

[The intelligent Supporter]

Wow people really ripping through him

Give the guy a shot....Hes been completing his overs in domestic

 

[Sarfarazian92]

He will have to bowl exceptionally well to prove that his selection was justified. He is non-existent with the bat and will give away extra runs whenever the ball goes to him in the field.

With our tail doing decent in recent times, a par performance with the ball won't be enough in my view.

 

[Bilal7]

He'll get at least one four-fer in the ODI series.

 

[Sadevdesai]

Soooo .... let me see. He is going to target Smith and get him out cheaply but let other Batsmen hit him for 4s and 6s ???? Hmmmmm. All self serving non-sense. Do these guys ever get their lines cleared by some coach or a management type person before they let out ???

 

[Gilly]

He'll get at least one four-fer in the ODI series.

Will that matter though if Australia score 350 in the same match.

 

[Bilal7]

Will that matter though if Australia score 350 in the same match.

My crystal ball did not let me know all the details.

 

[Rayyman]

He'll get at least one four-fer in the ODI series.

I'd rather see him get smacked for 70 runs and being dropped for remaining games. It's better for our future to see this 34 year old retire.

 

[Watsupdoc]

If you don't break down that is as usual...

 

[Mamoon]

He'll get at least one four-fer in the ODI series.

It's 2017, not 2013.

 

[Saj]

I was chatting to a current player who's played a lot of domestic cricket over the years.

He was saying that anything goes in Pakistan domestic cricket regarding leaving the field and then coming back on, then going off again.

 

[KB]

He will have to bowl exceptionally well to prove that his selection was justified. He is non-existent with the bat and will give away extra runs whenever the ball goes to him in the field.

With our tail doing decent in recent times, a par performance with the ball won't be enough in my view.

Well said. I was surprised he was selected. Pakistan has to start looking and playing like a more modern one day team. Irfan is ordinary in the field, offers nothing with the bat and his fitness is questionable.

 

[ads101]

I think Irfan will do better than everyone bar Amir maybe in the overs he bowls. But we can not play a guy who struggles to complete 10 overs. We can't have an extra bowler i case he breaks either like we've done in the past. His quality does not last over the 10 overs either, his first spell is usually very good, the rest is below par.

On top of the that his fielding is awful and his batting is awful too. There's just no point investing in him for the future. He was of use in the past, but not now. If we wanted to recall someone Junaid probably would be a better bet. Hope Irfan doesn't play over Hasan who actually was starting to look promising.

 

[jfwalker]

I hate these kind of stupid immature statements by our cricketers. We all know he is going to be tonked to all corners

 

[Bilal7]

I'd rather see him get smacked for 70 runs and being dropped for remaining games. It's better for our future to see this 34 year old retire.

Age is no barrier, especially with the CT coming up in a few months. We need to dump mediocre bowlers like Sohail and Rahat and start backing guys who have shown that they can cut it at the highest level. Irfan, Amir, Riaz and Junaid should be our main pace attack for the rest of the year, at least in ODIs.

It's 2017, not 2013.

A bowler does not go from being good to useless in three years.

 

[Justcrazy]

Junaid at his best is better than Wahab, Rahat, Irfan, and Sohail. I am sure he will be way more effective than Amir who has not bought a wicket in the second Test.

Wahab has been hot or cold through out his career. I feel like its time the management makes a big decision on him. Besides being the fastest bowler we have. He brings in nothing to the side.

Wahab is very very inconsistent , his wrist position and run up are both faulty . Now a days when he is trying to bowl really fast , he is doing no ball.

I agree Junaid as a bowler is better than all now bowling in Australia.

 

[New Yorker]

Where was this height advantage two years ago in Australia where you were useless barring two games, and weren't even in the top 10 wicket-takers and broke down before the knockout, while the deluded folks here thought you would be the stand out pacer in the tournament.

Yes yes now he has 'learned' to bowl on those pitches so I'm looking forward to him destroying the Australian batsmen.

He had been rubbish for two years but keeps getting picked because the selectors have sympathy for him.

Why complain.

We like to fancy players on the basis of some feeling we have about them. A feeling that will be undeniable precisely in so far as it is ineluctable, perchance touted as bleeding obvious precisely because it isn't.

The obvious feeling will be enabled by reference to an attribute that can be seen, preferably on TV. See under -'tall (Irfan),' or 'fast' (Wahab).'

We will belittle those who lack such attributes as 'trundlers.' To those who object, pointing out that a bowler need not be express to take wickets, we might say that not everyone who is slow is an Asif.

Because we know everyone who is fast is a Waqar.

In other words we will fancy players on the basis of anything but the actual ability to take wickets. Their record of performance. We will justify this position with nuggets like 'cricket is not played on spreadsheets.'

Because writing down many numbers is beneath real men.

When we find that 'tall' and 'fast' do not translate into results as often as they should we will belittle all calls to do something about it. Like trying out new players. Instead we will bemoan the lack of alternatives.

Clamping firmly down on the valve while complaining that the pipeline is always dry.

 

[New Yorker]

Junaid at his best is better than Wahab, Rahat, Irfan, and Sohail. I am sure he will be way more effective than Amir who has not bought a wicket in the second Test.

Wahab has been hot or cold through out his career. I feel like its time the management makes a big decision on him. Besides being the fastest bowler we have. He brings in nothing to the side.

What evidence is there Junaid is at his best?

 

[PerfectionPersonified]

I mean he just said he will target, noting that does not include getting him out

 

[iniqbal223]

What kind of idiotic comment is this from Irfan. Is he not interested in taking other wickets?
This is too childish from him to come out in media, these are all empty talks unless he produce results on the field. No good sportsman, proclaims without playing to look fool at a later stage.

 

[English August]

or the opposite? A full blooded warner cut could end up in Point's hands because of the height and boucne that Irfan beings to table.

Someone will have to catch it as well. If Pak's fielding in the first two Tests is any indication, there is only about 50% chance of Pak fielders taking their chances.

 

[Zohaib Shah]

What evidence is there Junaid is at his best?

What evidence is there he isn't? I mean the dude carried our attack when Amir was gone. He deserves to atleast show what he's got in international cricket. He can't be worser than what we already have.

 

[Ellipsism]

What evidence is there he isn't? I mean the dude carried our attack when Amir was gone. He deserves to atleast show what he's got in international cricket. He can't be worser than what we already have.

The evidence showing that Junaid isn't at his best is the current List-A tournament taking place atm.