Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq - Technically Pakistan's weakest openers?

[Saj]

Testing conditions, great opening bowlers, but are Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq Pakistan's weakest opening combination when it comes to technical ability?

 

[MenInG]

Zaman I have some sympathy for as he seems to bring something different to the game - but yes technique is an issue with most of the batsmen it seems

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Imam-ul-Haq last 6 Test innings:<br><br>0<br>22<br>9<br>9<br>27<br>6<br><br>Total runs 73<br>Average 12.17<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAVPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAVPAK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1077848798205042689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Amjid Javed]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Imam-ul-Haq last 6 Test innings:<br><br>0<br>22<br>9<br>9<br>27<br>6<br><br>Total runs 73<br>Average 12.17<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAVPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAVPAK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1077848798205042689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Please send this twitter post to his "uncles" twitter account.

 

[aukhan]

Shame really. Abid Ali should have been playing instead of Imam. Fakhar can be given a long rope.

 

[Markhor]

Imam is the problem. His successes at international level has only come from minnow bashing. He has done absolutely nothing against a top class bowling attack.

Technically he is all over the place. Passing a yoyo test isn't enough - you actually need some ability with your primary skill.

 

[Dark_Horse]

Please send this twitter post to his "uncles" twitter account.

Imam has performed good at international level as caption

 

[goran]

Imam should be dropped if he doesn't perform in this series. Fakhar is the modern day opener we so desperately need. He should be persisted with. He has the ability to change any game on his own.

 

[Boi]

Imam has a poor technique for sure. Loose outside off stump, struggles against the short ball and loses balance with the ball swinging back in.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

imam is proper dud. You know things are bad when Shan Masood looks better than you.

Fahkar you can forgive, he brings something we dont have and will do well on flat decks.

 

[Majid Khan]

Mohammed Aamir in his brief innings so far of 1 not out has already played better looking forward defensives against these SA quicks in these conditions than any of the specialist batsmen have done all day - not sure if that’s something to be pleased with or embarrassed.

 

[Hawkeye]

No.

Shan Masood and Fakhar.

Or

Shan Masood and Shehzad.

Masood is the worst.

 

[Saj]

I know Imam was bad but Fakhar's footwork was a joke. It was almost like his feet were stuck in cement.

 

[Savak]

I know Imam was bad but Fakhar's footwork was a joke. It was almost like his feet were stuck in cement.

Technqiue to be honest isnt everything, sometimes players can make up for it with temprament. Right now Fakhar is the only player in the team who if bats a session can be guaranteed to score a quick fire 70-80 or even a hundred in record time. Otherwise the line up is filled with one dimensional accumulators who let the opposition dominate.

 

[Savak]

imam is proper dud. You know things are bad when Shan Masood looks better than you.

Fahkar you can forgive, he brings something we dont have and will do well on flat decks.

Had heard many times on tv from sports analyst and media reporters than Shan Masood had worked really hard on his game during the time away from the team and was a different batsman compared to the past, in his brief innnings he looked a lot more solid than any time i had seen from him before.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Like Hafeez Imam is a minnow basher. Give him Bangla or Zim he will become the Pakistani Lara.

Other then that he has done nothing in 1,5 years. His FC average of 33 says enough.

 

[rhony]

I know Imam was bad but Fakhar's footwork was a joke. It was almost like his feet were stuck in cement.

Where are the people that kept insisting he is bad in UAE but is somehow magical on bouncy tracks because of that one innings. Babar should bat at 4 and Fakhar as 6. That should resolve many issues

 

[Saj]

There seems to be this mindset amongst the team management that players who succeed in T20s and ODIs can make it in Tests.

This is flawed thinking and a poor mindset.

 

[Minnowbasher]

Both Shan and imam must go if Pakistan want to be competitive in this series. If azhar really doesn't want to open then maybe keep Shan Masood (even though he's still rubbish but at least he isn't hopeless and unfairly in the team like imam)

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Had heard many times on tv from sports analyst and media reporters than Shan Masood had worked really hard on his game during the time away from the team and was a different batsman compared to the past, in his brief innnings he looked a lot more solid than any time I had seen from him before.

yeah, i noticed that too. I am probably his harshest critic here, but his recent domestic performances are hard to ignore

 

[Savak]

There seems to be this mindset amongst the team management that players who succeed in T20s and ODIs can make it in Tests.

This is flawed thinking and a poor mindset.

Both Inzi and Mickey Arthur are looking for batsmen who can score quickly in test cricket as well. Inzi specifically said his criteria is of a SR of 50-60 for test matches as a bar minimum. You can't bat at a snail's pace in today's era

 

[Hasan123]

Fakhar should bat in the middle order. He's a good player of spin and can afford to be more attacking in the middle order .

 

[Bewal Express]

There seems to be this mindset amongst the team management that players who succeed in T20s and ODIs can make it in Tests.

This is flawed thinking and a poor mindset.

As our FC system is very flawed, what other way is there to judge the quality of players. Shan Masood is a beast at the A team level but looks very ropey at this level. FZ has something but Imam, who has a good attitude lacks raw talent. He will however work hard and although he doesn't look the part now, he can come back.

 

[Bewal Express]

Both Inzi and Mickey Arthur are looking for batsmen who can score quickly in test cricket as well. Inzi specifically said his criteria is of a SR of 50-60 for test matches as a bar minimum. You can't bat at a snail's pace in today's era

The theory is right, but FZ needs to develop quickly if people are not to lose faith. I would give FZ a very long rope, it's not as if he have anyone waiting in the wings.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

imam is proper dud. You know things are bad when Shan Masood looks better than you.

Fahkar you can forgive, he brings something we dont have and will do well on flat decks.

No.

Shan Masood and Fakhar.

Or

Shan Masood and Shehzad.

Masood is the worst.

Had heard many times on tv from sports analyst and media reporters than Shan Masood had worked really hard on his game during the time away from the team and was a different batsman compared to the past, in his brief innnings he looked a lot more solid than any time i had seen from him before.

Shan Masood has really improved his skills.

It's not random that he has scored something like 1500 + List A runs in a Calendar Year.


He missed most FC matches in Pak this season due to his commitments with Pakistan A hence he isn't mentioned among top scorers.


Shan has not only improved his technique and temperament but the pleasant change is the intent with which he bats now. He bats with +ve intend and instead of going in survival mode he goes for Runs.


He has scored like 4-5 hundreds against visiting Aus A, New Zealand A and England A sides in FC and List A and all were impactful knocks.


He was highest rungetter from both sides in 2 FC matches between Pakistan A and New Zealand A and at a SR of 73 on dead wickets of UAE.


Mickey and Inzamam have mentioned that they give weightage to SR in Test Squad selection and it's the right thing. Mickey is on record saying that Shan has knocked very hard on Selectors door hence he had to be picked.


His Selection was merited. He edged Abid Ali on


A. Fitness

B. Age

C. SR

 

[MMHS]

I think, PAK need to rethink their Test selection policy. There should be couple of specialist Test openers, who should focus on longer game (may be even skip PSL or domestic T20 - PCB can create a separate category to compensate). Imam is still just not good enough which should have been reflected from his FC stats, while FZ can’t resist chasing balls - Test openers fundamental instinct should be to leave the ball, which he can’t.

Ideally, Azhar should have been made permanent Test opener as his game perfectly suits the job - very good temperament, good defence, capability to play for long hours and he doesn’t play LOs much, almost a specialist for longer game. For other spot (his partner), they have to find someone with right mindset and technique.

 

[Saj]

Both Inzi and Mickey Arthur are looking for batsmen who can score quickly in test cricket as well. Inzi specifically said his criteria is of a SR of 50-60 for test matches as a bar minimum. You can't bat at a snail's pace in today's era

We don't have Gilchrists Haydens etc.

What they should focus on is proper Test batsmen who can at least score runs and put a price on their wicket, rather than guys who can score 15 off 10 balls.

 

[Saj]

I think, PAK need to rethink their Test selection policy. There should be couple of specialist Test openers, who should focus on longer game (may be even skip PSL or domestic T20 - PCB can create a separate category to compensate). Imam is still just not good enough which should have been reflected from his FC stats, while FZ can’t resist chasing balls - Test openers fundamental instinct should be to leave the ball, which he can’t.

Ideally, Azhar should have been made permanent Test opener as his game perfectly suits the job - very good temperament, good defence, capability to play for long hours and he doesn’t play LOs much, almost a specialist for longer game. For other spot (his partner), they have to find someone with right mindset and technique.

Spot on.

We don't have Saeed Anwars amongst our ranks. This trying to convert T20 specialists into Test openers is ludicrous and smells of desperation and flawed thinking.

 

[UN talkz]

I think, PAK need to rethink their Test selection policy. There should be couple of specialist Test openers, who should focus on longer game (may be even skip PSL or domestic T20 - PCB can create a separate category to compensate). Imam is still just not good enough which should have been reflected from his FC stats, while FZ can’t resist chasing balls - Test openers fundamental instinct should be to leave the ball, which he can’t.

Ideally, Azhar should have been made permanent Test opener as his game perfectly suits the job - very good temperament, good defence, capability to play for long hours and he doesn’t play LOs much, almost a specialist for longer game. For other spot (his partner), they have to find someone with right mindset and technique.

Spot on.

We don't have Saeed Anwars amongst our ranks. This trying to convert T20 specialists into Test openers is ludicrous and smells of desperation and flawed thinking.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Fakhar has never had a good technique for the moving ball but can work on his game to stick around for longer. Once in he can score quickly, perhaps he may be better at 6 and shuffle the pack so Babar opens.

Imam seems to timid but deserves a full series here before being dropped.

 

[Saj]

View attachment 86794

Frightening numbers.

 

[Amjid Javed]

There seems to be this mindset amongst the team management that players who succeed in T20s and ODIs can make it in Tests.

This is flawed thinking and a poor mindset.

With sarfraz, Arthur and inzi in charge we are heading backwards and time and time again team selections and combos in each format are found to be wrong again and again.

 

[Muhammad10]

Fakhar is playing his second Test and had a good debut. Obviously his technique is not the tightest, but he's a fighter and knows how to score runs and have a positive impact. In Tests, he might be better utilised in the middle order, while Azhar and Shan can open for now.

 

[MMHS]

Spot on.

We don't have Saeed Anwars amongst our ranks. This trying to convert T20 specialists into Test openers is ludicrous and smells of desperation and flawed thinking.

The perfect foil for this strategy was Taufique Umar, guy could have finished with 10K+ Test runs, but they spoiled him by forcing into ODI. Now Sami Aslam & Shan Masood are tried to make into Test opener, previously Manzoor while Hafeez wasted at least 5 years to become a proper Test opener - despite all these players having far better List A stats, while Abid Ali is expiered now. There was another lefti guy (from Peshawar, forgot name - Israrullah??), who had fantastic FC stats.

I am a bit upset on Arthur as well that he should have chalked this out long back and among so many FC players, he should have found couple of prospects- rather the guy accepted to drop Azhar Ali at 3, when Azhar’s stats as opener even outside Asia was fantastic.

 

[Saj]

The perfect foil for this strategy was Taufique Umar, guy could have finished with 10K+ Test runs, but they spoiled him by forcing into ODI.

And experts would say he doesn't score quickly enough, why isn't he scoring at 4 an over.

Sometimes I feel that people forget that Tests are 5 days, not 5 hours.

 

[gazza619]

And experts would say he doesn't score quickly enough, why isn't he scoring at 4 an over.

Sometimes I feel that people forget that Tests are 5 days, not 5 hours.

If I correctly remember Taufeeq used to strike very decently against pacers in tests. His weakness was against spinners.

 

[Saj]

If I correctly remember Taufeeq used to strike very decently against pacers in tests. His weakness was against spinners.

Yes and this is the point, it seems the current management want strokemakers at the top of the order in Tests, but seem to be forgetting that openers in Test cricket need to have the basics right first and foremost.

 

[hadi123]

I felt Sami Aslam was great when he was in form as his knew where his off stump was but his form has been pathetic recently. Hope he finds his touch sooner rather than later or he may fade away.

 

[Sadozai]

For the present series Azhar should open either with Fakhar or shan. one of shan & Fakhar should bat at 6 & imam should make way for rizwan

 

[mak36]

And experts would say he doesn't score quickly enough, why isn't he scoring at 4 an over.

Sometimes I feel that people forget that Tests are 5 days, not 5 hours.

The conditions/country are obviously a variable; there isn't a one size fits all approach.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Fakhar should be batting at 6, not opening.

 

[mak36]

Fakhar should be batting at 6, not opening.

Do you mean for just this series or in all tests (including in UAE)?

 

[We Bleed Green]

Can some one explain why Bhanja was selected and not Abid Ali when he had superior statistics.

Oh yes, Imam looked better in nets plus his technique is great. Yeh right Inzamam. I have no respect left for Inzamam. He represents old Pakistan so hopefully we will get rid of him soon. Lanat on you Inzamam

 

[Suleiman]

Excuse me, why are we attacking Masood?

Did anyone insulting the poor kiddo even watch the match? He was actually playing sort of a heroic innings before he got unlucky or gandi nazar caught up to him.

His dismissal would usually not happen most of the time.

Bhateeja has gotten enough of a rope, any more and he will be playing tug of war instead of cricket.

Fakhar everyone knows is batting too high.

Open with Azhar and Masood.

Asad needs to grow a pair and become a man.

Babar is a champ and the prodigal son.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Do you mean for just this series or in all tests (including in UAE)?

Anywhere. There's no point moving up and down.

 

[moghul]

Imam cannot paly and not score for ever, I,ll give him just 10 more tests and if he doesn't score then only three more, that's it.

From Chief Selector, Inzimam-ul-Haq.

 

[moghul]

Excuse me, why are we attacking Masood?

Did anyone insulting the poor kiddo even watch the match? He was actually playing sort of a heroic innings before he got unlucky or gandi nazar caught up to him.

His dismissal would usually not happen most of the time.

Bhateeja has gotten enough of a rope, any more and he will be playing tug of war instead of cricket.

Fakhar everyone knows is batting too high.

Open with Azhar and Masood.

Asad needs to grow a pair and become a man.

Babar is a champ and the prodigal son.

I saw the match and after Babar, Masood looked most comfortable against short-pitched stuff, was playing well until got unlucky, wasn't his fault.

 

[moghul]

Can some one explain why Bhanja was selected and not Abid Ali when he had superior statistics.

Oh yes, Imam looked better in nets plus his technique is great. Yeh right Inzamam. I have no respect left for Inzamam. He represents old Pakistan so hopefully we will get rid of him soon. Lanat on you Inzamam

Because Abid Ali not Bhanja, get it ?

 

[Square Drive]

Fakhar should be batting at 6, not opening.

What's your top 6, with and without Haris?

 

[Chief Destroyer]

What's your top 6, with and without Haris?

Bhateeja, Azhar, Haris, Babar, Dad's dream, Fakhar.

 

[Square Drive]

Bhateeja, Azhar, Haris, Babar, Dad's dream, Fakhar.

I see. Was mainly wondering what it would be if you got to choose from all available players, and not just the ones in this squad.

 

[Saj]

Fakhar is playing his second Test and had a good debut. Obviously his technique is not the tightest, but he's a fighter and knows how to score runs and have a positive impact. In Tests, he might be better utilised in the middle order, while Azhar and Shan can open for now.

With his technique and footwork he will be found out more often than not in Tests.

Bit of a left handed version of Imran Nazir in Tests at the moment.

 

[Haroon786]

Shan Masood has really improved his skills.

It's not random that he has scored something like 1500 + List A runs in a Calendar Year.


He missed most FC matches in Pak this season due to his commitments with Pakistan A hence he isn't mentioned among top scorers.


Shan has not only improved his technique and temperament but the pleasant change is the intent with which he bats now. He bats with +ve intend and instead of going in survival mode he goes for Runs.


He has scored like 4-5 hundreds against visiting Aus A, New Zealand A and England A sides in FC and List A and all were impactful knocks.


He was highest rungetter from both sides in 2 FC matches between Pakistan A and New Zealand A and at a SR of 73 on dead wickets of UAE.


Mickey and Inzamam have mentioned that they give weightage to SR in Test Squad selection and it's the right thing. Mickey is on record saying that Shan has knocked very hard on Selectors door hence he had to be picked.


His Selection was merited. He edged Abid Ali on


A. Fitness

B. Age

C. SR

Yeah I feel like Shan's domestic pedigree will eventually translate to international form too. His potential was already demonstrated when he scored that series winning ton in Lanka alongside YK in difficult conditions but he sadly didn't progress from there. However, he's improved exponentially now and we can all hope that he fulfils his great talent like Babar Azam is doing currently.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

I see. Was mainly wondering what it would be if you got to choose from all available players, and not just the ones in this squad.

Azhar, Salahuddin, Haris, Babar, Saad, Fakhar.

 

[Square Drive]

Azhar, Salahuddin, Haris, Babar, Saad, Fakhar.

Interesting you put Salahuddin up top. Two grinders to open, then.

Also, Saad over Saud makes sense for Tests, but then I'm assuming you have Saud (and Zeeshan?) on the bench.

Lastly, you'd prolly have Rizwan at 7, with Sarfraz being replaced as captain? Or would you leave Saifi in there a little longer?

 

[Abdul]

A disaster waiting to happen.

 

[Tyler Durden]

This explains it all!

 

[Abdul]

This explains it all!

View attachment 86800

Hahahahaha

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Interesting you put Salahuddin up top. Two grinders to open, then.

Also, Saad over Saud makes sense for Tests, but then I'm assuming you have Saud (and Zeeshan?) on the bench.

Lastly, you'd prolly have Rizwan at 7, with Sarfraz being replaced as captain? Or would you leave Saifi in there a little longer?

Saud and Zeeshan have to be inducted into ODIs first.

No, Sarfaraz remains captain. We don't have a replacement.

 

[Square Drive]

Saud and Zeeshan have to be inducted into ODIs first.

No, Sarfaraz remains captain. We don't have a replacement.

Fair enough.

I'm hoping Fakhar can cement his spot in the side, and that they can groom him for captaincy. Only guy in the current group that seems to have leadership qualities.

 

[MenInG]

Another huge opp for both to impress but as Saj said, technique is missing.

 

[Markhor]

Fakhar has failed in all innings on this tour so far. Need him to find form.

 

[MenInG]

Lots of edges so some problems for Imam for sure!

 

[Muhammad10]

With his technique and footwork he will be found out more often than not in Tests.

Bit of a left handed version of Imran Nazir in Tests at the moment.

If he manages to survive the initial phase of the innings, he has the ability to damage the opposition. I agree with [MENTION=141557]Chief Destroyer[/MENTION] though, he would be a very good player to have at number 6, while Babar has done everything to deserve a promotion into the middle order.

 

[AAli98]

Weakest openers - sami shan imam farhat Hameed hafeez butt wasti take ur pick.

 

[Muhammad10]

This opening stand of 32 (and counting) would've been very handy in 2013, when we had Hafeez opening in South Africa!

 

[wasimjunior]

Weakest openers - sami shan imam farhat Hameed hafeez butt wasti take ur pick.

Dont agree with the thread and knee jerk reactions. Anyone who has seen the way Imam is fighting here in outrageously tough conditions needs to realise the potential.

We can always go back to Ahmad Shahzad and Mohammad Hafeez

 

[wasimjunior]

Lots of edges so some problems for Imam for sure!

Have you seen how difficult the conditions are and the fact he is playing two of the best modern day fast bowlers. Asian greats like Sehwag and Dravid average 25/21 in SA..... and you are expecting runs from a 20 year old who has played 5 tests?

 

[wasimjunior]

Batting averages of certain Pak Openers in SA since 2000

Hafeez: 11 in 6 tests
Hameed:20 in 3 tests
Nasir Jamshed: 12 in 2 tests
Farhat: 26 in 2 tests
Taufeeq: 70 in 2 tests

Poor thread and irresponsible fact picking

 

[Muhammad10]

Really impressed with Imam's approach so far. Desperately needed a solid opening stand.

 

[MenInG]

Have you seen how difficult the conditions are and the fact he is playing two of the best modern day fast bowlers. Asian greats like Sehwag and Dravid average 25/21 in SA..... and you are expecting runs from a 20 year old who has played 5 tests?

I agree some slack is needed for this but we also need some luck also - hope this makes them better batsmen.

 

[babajee]

Good work today. Hopefully one of them can push on.

 

[Muhammad10]

Hilarious shot by Fakhar to gift his wicket.

 

[hadi123]

I agree some slack is needed for this but we also need some luck also - hope this makes them better batsmen.

What do you mean by this?

Imam-ul-Haq's approiach is looking good today.

 

[wasimjunior]

What do you mean by this?

Imam-ul-Haq's approiach is looking good today.

I guess [MENTION=8]MIG[/MENTION] means you need luck when playing world class bowlers on a green mamba. Very very tough out there and Imam playing properly. Unfortunately Fakhar was itching to throw his wicket away.....

 

[Bewal Express]

These guys are not good players but the worst if it is that their competitors for the spots are even worse.

 

[Hasan123]

Fakhar can be a brilliant test player but he should bat in the middle order. He doesn’t have the technique to bat as a opener in tests. I hope he is moved down for the next test. I’m sure he would do better than Asad as he is mentally stronger and a better player of spin.


Been saying for a while Fakhar should bat in the middle order in tests.

 

[MenInG]

What do you mean by this?

Imam-ul-Haq's approiach is looking good today.

Lots of edges in the beginning but once he gained confidence he was good.

 

[Abdullah719]

Another struggle today.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Rabbits caught in headlights, Just really poor Technic from both players in their respective dismissals.