Imad Wasim as LOI opener?

[ExpressPacer]

Now this sounds like an absurd suggestion at first, but when you dig deep into his stats and figures, you see that this may well be a gem of a move if the think tank starts to think out of the box for once!

Firstly, if you look at his First Class record, it is above average and good enough for him to break into the Test team for batting alone. But what makes it even better is the fact that he plays the majority of his games on his home ground, the Diamond Cricket Ground of Islamabad, also referred to as "The Perth of Pakistan" by [MENTION=138980]TalentSpotterPk[/MENTION].

Diamond Cricket Ground is notorious for having the fastest, the greenest and the bounciest pitches in the entirety of Pakistan where even rookies and debutantes end up with astonishing bowling figures. Majority of the times, most batsmen fail to get into double figures. And after playing on this ground for the majority of his First Class career, Wasim averages a respectable 40. So, this attests to the fact that you can't point a finger to his "technique" or batting "talent".

Now coming to his international record, he's shown he packs quite a punch, consistently providing lusty blows to fast bowlers and spinners alike down the order. And what makes my inclination of making him the opener even stronger is his ability to play fluent strokes once settled. Decent performances against decent oppositions, the ability to rotate strike easily and his capability to hit sixes at will (mostly) make him a seriously strong contender for the top order spot.


What further aids my wish for him to be opener is that our other options are Shehzad, who got a 16 ball duck against minnows like Sri Lanka, Azhar Ali, who has good performances in the CT but still doesn't convince anyone as a good LOI opener because of his 90's style of play and perhaps Imam ul Haq, who is yet to be tested but has an SR in the 70's playing LA's.

Imad Wasim opening would give the PCT a very strong composition.

1) FZ
2) Imad Wasim
3) Babar Azam
4) Harris Sohail/Hafeez
5) Shoaib Malik
6) Sarfraz Ahmed
7) Shadab Khan
8) Fahim Ashraf
9) Hasan Ali
10) Mohammad Amir
11) JK/Raees

Now, this team, in my very humble opinion has an extremely dynamic top order and a very strong bowling lineup, capable of being able to win against most, if not all opposition on their day.

Discuss.

 

[DRsohail]

when kk sent him at 3 he failed miserably,,he can be tried in pakistan cup but not at international leve;l..

 

[MenInG]

Given the state of Shehzad, it appears that we are willing to try almost anyone as opener

 

[Seamer]

I know it might sound crazy but I would have Imad open in the 2nd odi, But I know it'll never happen :

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Imad Wasim
3. Babar Azam
4. Hafeez
5. Malik
6. Sarfaraz
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Shadab Khan
9. Hassan Ali
10. Rumman Raees
11. Junaid Khan

 

[ExpressPacer]

Given the state of Shehzad, it appears that we are willing to try almost anyone as opener

Absolutely. Or other options would be TTF's in Butt, Kami Akmal, Manzoor (who I still think has it in him) or Awais Zia.

 

[ExpressPacer]

I know it might sound crazy but I would have Imad open in the 2nd odi, But I know it'll never happen :

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Imad Wasim
3. Babar Azam
4. Hafeez
5. Malik
6. Sarfaraz
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Shadab Khan
9. Hassan Ali
10. Rumman Raees
11. Junaid Khan

Pretty much agree with the entire team here. Hafeez was brilliant in the last match but I think we need to make use of Harry's top form so I would replace him with Hafeez.

 

[Hamza_]

Faheem could open as well. I really like Faheem's batting, More than Imad.

 

[Zaz]

Id get harris in Hes a more accomplished bat than imad

 

[ExpressPacer]

Faheem could open as well. I really like Faheem's batting, More than Imad.

That could be an option and I really look forward to seeing Fahim bat but the truth is, his First Class and List A batting averages don't convince me, at least not as an opener.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Id get harris in Hes a more accomplished bat than imad

Of course. He's a far more accomplished batsman however, he isn't an opener. He's best suited to the middle order and I wouldn't shuffle him just yet. He'd be perfect for the No.4 spot.

That being said, Imad's stats aren't bad either so I don't see why he can't be tried in the top order.

 

[ExpressPacer]

[MENTION=137148]Rayyman[/MENTION] what is your opinion?

 

[Suleiman]

Think I mentioned this last year, am a big fan of using unconventional openers in limited overs. Thing is in limited overs, opening is generally one of the easiest jobs as long as you are a clean striker. I said it whenever we promoted that nothing Bilal Asif to odi opener under clueless Waqar. Idea was right but execution was poor.

 

[New Yorker]

Now this sounds like an absurd suggestion at first, but when you dig deep into his stats and figures, you see that this may well be a gem of a move if the think tank starts to think out of the box for once!

Firstly, if you look at his First Class record, it is above average and good enough for him to break into the Test team for batting alone. But what makes it even better is the fact that he plays the majority of his games on his home ground, the Diamond Cricket Ground of Islamabad, also referred to as "The Perth of Pakistan" by [MENTION=138980]TalentSpotterPk[/MENTION].

Diamond Cricket Ground is notorious for having the fastest, the greenest and the bounciest pitches in the entirety of Pakistan where even rookies and debutantes end up with astonishing bowling figures. Majority of the times, most batsmen fail to get into double figures. And after playing on this ground for the majority of his First Class career, Wasim averages a respectable 40. So, this attests to the fact that you can't point a finger to his "technique" or batting "talent".

Now coming to his international record, he's shown he packs quite a punch, consistently providing lusty blows to fast bowlers and spinners alike down the order. And what makes my inclination of making him the opener even stronger is his ability to play fluent strokes once settled. Decent performances against decent oppositions, the ability to rotate strike easily and his capability to hit sixes at will (mostly) make him a seriously strong contender for the top order spot.


What further aids my wish for him to be opener is that our other options are Shehzad, who got a 16 ball duck against minnows like Sri Lanka, Azhar Ali, who has good performances in the CT but still doesn't convince anyone as a good LOI opener because of his 90's style of play and perhaps Imam ul Haq, who is yet to be tested but has an SR in the 70's playing LA's.

Imad Wasim opening would give the PCT a very strong composition.

1) FZ
2) Imad Wasim
3) Babar Azam
4) Harris Sohail/Hafeez
5) Shoaib Malik
6) Sarfraz Ahmed
7) Shadab Khan
8) Fahim Ashraf
9) Hasan Ali
10) Mohammad Amir
11) JK/Raees

Now, this team, in my very humble opinion has an extremely dynamic top order and a very strong bowling lineup, capable of being able to win against most, if not all opposition on their day.

Discuss.

Imad Wasim opening makes sense if you are looking to find a reason to keep Imad Wasim in the team, less so if you are looking to find the best possible opener. It's not completely daft, it could work, it hasn't when tried so far.

But the alternatives are not Shezzy or Butt, its Sahibzada, a mouth watering prospect to partner FZ.

In the long run an attempt has to be made to accommodate Haris in the middle order, possibly at the expense of Hafeez or Malik. While we are playing Lanka in the UAE either will seem like they are more than adequate to the task, but the writing has been on the wall for them for some time.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Imad Wasim opening makes sense if you are looking to find a reason to keep Imad Wasim in the team, less so if you are looking to find the best possible opener. It's not completely daft, it could work, it hasn't when tried so far.

Perhaps. But Wasim has also shown that he has it in him to face international class bowlers and rotate strike. And if he keeps bowling the way he has, he makes the team easily anyway.

But the alternatives are not Shezzy or Butt, its Sahibzada, a mouth watering prospect to partner FZ.

I like the lad. Sure, why not? But the fact is, he's played less than 10 LA games and exposing him to international class bowlers just yet is a hastened decision, not a mature one. He is too raw. Let's not forget, Manzoor and Sami Aslam were also very good in the same tournament as him.

One is a hack and one is too slow for LOIs.

In the long run an attempt has to be made to accommodate Haris in the middle order, possibly at the expense of Hafeez or Malik. While we are playing Lanka in the UAE either will seem like they are more than adequate to the task, but the writing has been on the wall for them for some time.

Hafeez has to make way. He is easily 39 and just little left in him. He's bought himself some time with that innings in the final but I'm not sure he can keep doing that consistently.

 

[pkwdpassion]

For your kind information, Inzamam has already sent his nephew Imam ul Haq as opener. I Shehzad does'nt work team management needs to have a solid reason in preferring no.7th batsman, Imad will never face the new ball.
The team also looks like a dream team, as it can happen only in dreams. Fahim Ashraf and Shadab Khan together in the team, Haris Sohail replacing Hafeez. OP did'nt put an option to replace Babar Azam rofl.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Think I mentioned this last year, am a big fan of using unconventional openers in limited overs. Thing is in limited overs, opening is generally one of the easiest jobs as long as you are a clean striker. I said it whenever we promoted that nothing Bilal Asif to odi opener under clueless Waqar. Idea was right but execution was poor.

Exactly. These sort of things usually come out as brilliant moves for a few matches, here and there. But the thing with Imad is, he can actually become a very good opener because he is a GENUINE batsman.

 

[ExpressPacer]

For your kind information, Inzamam has already sent his nephew Imam ul Haq as opener. I Shehzad does'nt work team management needs to have a solid reason in preferring no.7th batsman, Imad will never face the new ball.
The team also looks like a dream team, as it can happen only in dreams. Fahim Ashraf and Shadab Khan together in the team, Haris Sohail replacing Hafeez. OP did'nt put an option to replace Babar Azam rofl.

For YOUR kind information, I mentioned Imam Ul Haq in the post. Read more carefully.

And yes, the team management does need a solid reason in preferring a No.7 batsman and I have mentioned quite a few of them. Once again, read more carefully.

Any fast bowling all rounder works. Fahim is supposedly good, so I've mentioned him. And why would I name a replacement for Babar Azam, a batsman who averages 56 and has 6 hundreds in 32 matches..

 

[New Yorker]

Perhaps. But Wasim has also shown that he has it in him to face international class bowlers and rotate strike. And if he keeps bowling the way he has, he makes the team easily anyway.


I like the lad. Sure, why not? But the fact is, he's played less than 10 LA games and exposing him to international class bowlers just yet is a hastened decision, not a mature one. He is too raw. Let's not forget, Manzoor and Sami Aslam were also very good in the same tournament as him.

One is a hack and one is too slow for LOIs.

Hafeez has to make way. He is easily 39 and just little left in him. He's bought himself some time with that innings in the final but I'm not sure he can keep doing that consistently.

I don't think anyone would say that Imad's dynamite with the bat in ODIs, he 's been good sometimes, forgettable others. He's never really played an innings that took the breath away, as we all hope Faheem can, or, I would be more willing to wager, Yamin. If the team is to become a great team, being just about good enough isn't going to be good enough. And he's already quite old.

If we agree that he must eventually be given a go, I don't see the point of waiting around with Sahibzada; he has performed relentlessly so far. He has experience opening, and he has done well at it. Imad would be new to opening.

 

[another drop catch]

he was tried as one down in west indies t20s and he flopped badly

 

[The_Odd_One]

Try Shadab instead. He hardly gets a chance to bat at #8.

 

[ExpressPacer]

I don't think anyone would say that Imad's dynamite with the bat in ODIs, he 's been good sometimes, forgettable others. He's never really played an innings that took the breath away, as we all hope Faheem can, or, I would be more willing to wager, Yamin. If the team is to become a great team, being just about good enough isn't going to be good enough. And he's already quite old.

I think I certainly would vouch for him. I don't know what more you can expect off of him batting at the position where he does? He mostly has to bat alongside tailenders and he still does a much better job than any "finishers" we've had in the recent past.

And he's played at least one innings that "took the breath away" in England, if not more.

If we agree that he must eventually be given a go, I don't see the point of waiting around with Sahibzada; he has performed relentlessly so far. He has experience opening, and he has done well at it. Imad would be new to opening.

Relentlessly? Interesting choice of words for someone who wasn't even the second highest run scorer in the tournament where batting was easier than it has ever been in Pakistan. Sami Aslam, same age as him - scored more runs than him with a better average and a better strike rate and Sami Aslam is considered to be one of the slowest LOI players.

My point is, he's probably a good player, but there's no need to rush. He has less than TEN LA games and hasn't even represented the Under 19 or 17 team's in the past. Give him some time. He may well be a very good player but if he fails if introduced at this point, he will be discarded for a long time.

Also, I personally think that Imad has earned it with very good, consistent performances down the order.

 

[New Yorker]

Try Shadab instead. He hardly gets a chance to bat at #8.

I'd second that. Shadab is a much more inventive batsman than Imad will ever be. And young.

 

[ExpressPacer]

he was tried as one down in west indies t20s and he flopped badly

Everyone has the occasional failure. I don't see why that should be the end of the idea. I mean, even FZ failed in the T20i's in WI when everyone labelled him a hack.

 

[ExpressPacer]

I'd second that. Shadab is a much more inventive batsman than Imad will ever be. And young.

Try Shadab instead. He hardly gets a chance to bat at #8.

Its sad we haven't used Shadab to his full capability yet and I agree, it wouldn't be a bad move for Shadab to open. But Imad opening would be an even better idea.

And Imad isn't that old either. 28, yes but then again, probably the only guy in the team who has his REAL age as his official age.

Also, this would provide Shadab to bat in Imad's place.

 

[New Yorker]

I think I certainly would vouch for him. I don't know what more you can expect off of him batting at the position where he does? He mostly has to bat alongside tailenders and he still does a much better job than any "finishers" we've had in the recent past.

And he's played at least one innings that "took the breath away" in England, if not more.



Relentlessly? Interesting choice of words for someone who wasn't even the second highest run scorer in the tournament where batting was easier than it has ever been in Pakistan. Sami Aslam, same age as him - scored more runs than him with a better average and a better strike rate and Sami Aslam is considered to be one of the slowest LOI players.

My point is, he's probably a good player, but there's no need to rush. He has less than TEN LA games and hasn't even represented the Under 19 or 17 team's in the past. Give him some time. He may well be a very good player but if he fails if introduced at this point, he will be discarded for a long time.

Also, I personally think that Imad has earned it with very good, consistent performances down the order.

Yes, relentless.

112 Balochistan v Federal Rawalpindi 29 Apr 2017 LA
54 Balochistan v Federal Rawalpindi 26 Apr 2017 LA
58 Balochistan v Khyber Rawalpindi 22 Apr 2017 LA
54 Balochistan v Sindh Rawalpindi 18 Apr 2017 LA
53 Balochistan v Punjab (Pak)Rawalpindi16 Apr 2017 LA

Plus a century in the NCA high performance camp training match

Aslam is also a better option than Imad as opener, thank you for reminding me.
He has been scoring at around 90 SR recently in LOI's nothing slow about him
at all and he has a long U 19 pedigree. LOIs is his format, not FC.

But Sahibzada still scores faster than him.

Imad is not faster than either of them, but while they average between 40 and 50
in LA cricket, he barely gets over 30.

Again, perhaps he could work as an opener, but the one try he was given flopped,
and there are many much much more promising prospects around.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Yes, relentless.

112 Balochistan v Federal Rawalpindi 29 Apr 2017 LA
54 Balochistan v Federal Rawalpindi 26 Apr 2017 LA
58 Balochistan v Khyber Rawalpindi 22 Apr 2017 LA
54 Balochistan v Sindh Rawalpindi 18 Apr 2017 LA
53 Balochistan v Punjab (Pak)Rawalpindi16 Apr 2017 LA

Plus a century in the NCA high performance camp training match

Aslam is also a better option than Imad as opener, thank you for reminding me.
He has been scoring at around 90 SR recently in LOI's nothing slow about him
at all and he has a long U 19 pedigree. LOIs is his format, not FC.

But Sahibzada still scores faster than him.

Imad is not faster than either of them, but while they average between 40 and 50
in LA cricket, he barely gets over 30.

Again, perhaps he could work as an opener, but the one try he was given flopped,
and there are many much much more promising prospects around.

Impressive and good scores? Yes. Relentless? No. More so consistent scores on the flattest highways for pitches against mediocre bowlers.

And yes, Aslam is certainly a very good batsman but he's shown the ODI's are certainly not his forte.

He was never tried. You know, to be honest, I'm not saying he's the best opener we have in Pakistan. I'm just saying that he's bought himself a shot at opening with consistent performances against International class bowlers.

The other promising options around are either too slow for modern day cricket, especially for the opening spot, or are only promising but fail to deliver.

 

[Rayyman]

[MENTION=137148]Rayyman[/MENTION] what is your opinion?

We have been looking for a replacement for Afridi at #7. Imad won't get as good as him (ATG hitter), but he has been improving. If we look at Imad's first couple of years, he wasn't a good hitter. Mostly, he always had the ability to accelerate, but before he would take time to get set. I am talking what I saw in Zim and SL 2015. Now, however, because we have persisted with him, he has gotten a lot better at hitting from the first ball. For example in PSL last year for KK he came in and hit a six first ball. In Australia he hit Cummins for six without getting set. Or in Independence cup he got 15* off 4. Yesterday's match he got 10* off 5. I know the recurring theme is that he isn't getting a lot of opportunity to show his skills, but we have better batsman for the top order and Imad is a good hitter now, and will only get better so I'd keep him there at #7.

 

[mak36]

I don't think anyone would say that Imad's dynamite with the bat in ODIs, he 's been good sometimes, forgettable others. He's never really played an innings that took the breath away, as we all hope Faheem can, or, I would be more willing to wager, Yamin. If the team is to become a great team, being just about good enough isn't going to be good enough. And he's already quite old.

If we agree that he must eventually be given a go, I don't see the point of waiting around with Sahibzada; he has performed relentlessly so far. He has experience opening, and he has done well at it. Imad would be new to opening.

Have to agree with this.

Ever since the England series, Imad has struggled in ODIs especially with the bat. Someone did a thread on this very topic here: http://pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?261167-The-curious-case-of-Imad-Wasim

I've taken a look at his performances since the beginning of the year and it is pretty embarrassing. He has taken 7 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 61.00. That is not a typo- he has a bowling average of 61.

His batting average since the beginning of the year is 30 but I am afraid that flatters to deceive. 4 of his 9 innings have ended as not-outs which has bumped his average. What is more revealing is that he has a strike-rate of 110 since the beginning of the year which given he bats as 7 is unacceptable.

I'm glad Imad is facing competition for his place as he seems to have taken it for granted. Raza Hassan is breathing right down his neck.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Have to agree with this.

Ever since the England series, Imad has struggled in ODIs especially with the bat. Someone did a thread on this very topic here: http://pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?261167-The-curious-case-of-Imad-Wasim

I've taken a look at his performances since the beginning of the year and it is pretty embarrassing. He has taken 7 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 61.00. That is not a typo- he has a bowling average of 61.

His batting average since the beginning of the year is 30 but I am afraid that flatters to deceive. 4 of his 9 innings have ended as not-outs which has bumped his average. What is more revealing is that he has a strike-rate of 110 since the beginning of the year which given he bats as 7 is unacceptable.

I'm glad Imad is facing competition for his place as he seems to have taken it for granted. Raza Hassan is breathing right down his neck.

Hi, just saw this post.

First of all, I will admit that Imad was in poor form with the bat post England series with no impressive performances in the Aus or NZ series however, I think his knock in the final should be enough evidence for his prowess with the bat. Of course, it wasn't a knock considered to be great as per International Standards set by the likes of Buttler, Maxwell, Pandya, Miller and Co. but it was one of the better knocks you'll see from a Pakistani batsman.

A much better finisher than what we've had in recent times; Anwar Ali, Bilawal Bhatti, Aamer Yamin. And honestly, I expect him to get there eventually. He's shown really good form with the bat in the Pakistan Cup, not taking too many deliveries to start hitting sixes and even in the 1st match against Sri Lanka. It is these little contributions that really count and add the extra pressure onto the opposition.

As for his bowling, I can't believe people are actually expecting him to take more wickets when:

1) He continuously plays all his matches with Junaid, Hasan and Amir who are all World Class bowlers and more than capable of spearheading the attack. With Shadab, Hafeez and Malik chipping in with wickets as well.

2) He is underutilized more often than not, the previous match where he did not bowl until the very end is an example.

Imad's bowling is more important to the team than his batting is and I don't see why fans don't understand his importance. Thankfully, the coach Micky Arthur does and from what I've heard from Imad in recent months, he is here to stay!

 

[ExpressPacer]

And as for the competition, I'm more than delighted about that. We NEED healthy competition. But let's not forget, there's Nawaz, Asghar, Zafar Goher, Hasan Khan there too. And Harris Sohail who is a very good left-arm spinner. So it's not easy for anyone.

 

[Ellipsism]

Hi, just saw this post.

First of all, I will admit that Imad was in poor form with the bat post England series with no impressive performances in the Aus or NZ series however, I think his knock in the final should be enough evidence for his prowess with the bat. Of course, it wasn't a knock considered to be great as per International Standards set by the likes of Buttler, Maxwell, Pandya, Miller and Co. but it was one of the better knocks you'll see from a Pakistani batsman.

A much better finisher than what we've had in recent times; Anwar Ali, Bilawal Bhatti, Aamer Yamin. And honestly, I expect him to get there eventually. He's shown really good form with the bat in the Pakistan Cup, not taking too many deliveries to start hitting sixes and even in the 1st match against Sri Lanka. It is these little contributions that really count and add the extra pressure onto the opposition.

As for his bowling, I can't believe people are actually expecting him to take more wickets when:

1) He continuously plays all his matches with Junaid, Hasan and Amir who are all World Class bowlers and more than capable of spearheading the attack. With Shadab, Hafeez and Malik chipping in with wickets as well.

2) He is underutilized more often than not, the previous match where he did not bowl until the very end is an example.

Imad's bowling is more important to the team than his batting is and I don't see why fans don't understand his importance. Thankfully, the coach Micky Arthur does and from what I've heard from Imad in recent months, he is here to stay!

Amir Yamin isn't a finisher, he doesn't have the demeanour or ability to do so. He's a high quality middle order bat who should at the very least be in the LO squads batting no lower than six, ideally 4-5.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Amir Yamin isn't a finisher, he doesn't have the demeanour or ability to do so. He's a high quality middle order bat who should at the very least be in the LO squads batting no lower than six, ideally 4-5.

EXACTLY. This is exactly why I think he shouldn't be in the team. Our middle-order is SOLID with Shoaib Malik in the form of his life, Hafeez on the back of a match-winning final performance and Sarfraz. The only place we can give him is Imad or Shadab's spot and I am more than certain he can't do much better there.

 

[Hermoine Green]

Better to have a specialist opener. Otherwise Sarfi and Hafeez are the best available options (Though i don't want this).

 

[New Yorker]

Have to agree with this.

Ever since the England series, Imad has struggled in ODIs especially with the bat. Someone did a thread on this very topic here: http://pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?261167-The-curious-case-of-Imad-Wasim

I've taken a look at his performances since the beginning of the year and it is pretty embarrassing. He has taken 7 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 61.00. That is not a typo- he has a bowling average of 61.

His batting average since the beginning of the year is 30 but I am afraid that flatters to deceive. 4 of his 9 innings have ended as not-outs which has bumped his average. What is more revealing is that he has a strike-rate of 110 since the beginning of the year which given he bats as 7 is unacceptable.

I'm glad Imad is facing competition for his place as he seems to have taken it for granted. Raza Hassan is breathing right down his neck.

raza, shadab...there is too much talent bubbling up now for imad to hold on to his position much longer. he's an asset in t20 but i dont see him having much of a career in odis. nothing more than adequate as a batsman, little more than a containing option as a bowler.

 

[New Yorker]

Hi, just saw this post.

First of all, I will admit that Imad was in poor form with the bat post England series with no impressive performances in the Aus or NZ series however, I think his knock in the final should be enough evidence for his prowess with the bat. Of course, it wasn't a knock considered to be great as per International Standards set by the likes of Buttler, Maxwell, Pandya, Miller and Co. but it was one of the better knocks you'll see from a Pakistani batsman.

A much better finisher than what we've had in recent times; Anwar Ali, Bilawal Bhatti, Aamer Yamin. And honestly, I expect him to get there eventually. He's shown really good form with the bat in the Pakistan Cup, not taking too many deliveries to start hitting sixes and even in the 1st match against Sri Lanka. It is these little contributions that really count and add the extra pressure onto the opposition.

As for his bowling, I can't believe people are actually expecting him to take more wickets when:

1) He continuously plays all his matches with Junaid, Hasan and Amir who are all World Class bowlers and more than capable of spearheading the attack. With Shadab, Hafeez and Malik chipping in with wickets as well.

2) He is underutilized more often than not, the previous match where he did not bowl until the very end is an example.

Imad's bowling is more important to the team than his batting is and I don't see why fans don't understand his importance. Thankfully, the coach Micky Arthur does and from what I've heard from Imad in recent months, he is here to stay!

it clearly isn't enough evidence. it was one decent knock in a situation of strength and he's not delivering the goods nearly often enough since then to be promoted as opener.

 

[Plumb]

There is a thread asking "why Imad is in Team" and another one "try Imad as opener" So we can't find a proper opener for our international team that we have to justify with these sort of experiments. We selected Imam as an opener in squad give him a chance and I am sure after the 3rd ODI team 'll change and Haris and Imam should make their way in the team.

 

[Madplayer]

He should be LOI bottle opener for the playing XI.

 

[Raja Sab]

why not try Hasan Ali for opening slot instead, Hasan has already scored more runs than Imad in the current series

 

[ManFan]

They will probably yield this XI for the 3rd ODI:
Fakhar
Imam
Babar
Hafeez
Malik
Safraz
Imad
Shadab
Ali
Raees
Junaid

They won't give a chance to Haris or Faheem until the 4th or 5th ODI.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

They have imam ul haq, haris sohail in the side and also hafeez can open who had opened before but not an ideal opener for alien conditions. It is not about slogging the old and torn ball, does he have the game to handle the new ball swing from both ends, I don't think so. Pak think tank always get deceived by lower order hitting and get them to open. It is how bilal Asif opened for pak in ODIs what a stupid decision was that, hail waqar for that.

 

[ExpressPacer]

it clearly isn't enough evidence. it was one decent knock in a situation of strength and he's not delivering the goods nearly often enough since then to be promoted as opener.

He isn't but I think it would be a good, out of the box option which may or may not be successful. Good if it does, no problem if it doesn't. Not a lot wrong with experimenting.

 

[htariq25]

Why not? In fact why not try Hasan Ali? Or Fahim Ashraf? There was a thread during world xi series that Fahim should open if I'm not mistaken.

 

[sshakir411]

He will fail to connect most deliveries. I think he is a nervous starter when it comes to batting. Needs to play some good innings in the domestic scene and gain confidence as an all-rounder.

 

[Justcrazy]

He will fail badly.

 

[mak36]

Bhai, I respect you but I am afraid I completely disagree with you on this.

Hi, just saw this post.

First of all, I will admit that Imad was in poor form with the bat post England series with no impressive performances in the Aus or NZ series however, I think his knock in the final should be enough evidence for his prowess with the bat. Of course, it wasn't a knock considered to be great as per International Standards set by the likes of Buttler, Maxwell, Pandya, Miller and Co. but it was one of the better knocks you'll see from a Pakistani batsman.

A much better finisher than what we've had in recent times; Anwar Ali, Bilawal Bhatti, Aamer Yamin. And honestly, I expect him to get there eventually. He's shown really good form with the bat in the Pakistan Cup, not taking too many deliveries to start hitting sixes and even in the 1st match against Sri Lanka. It is these little contributions that really count and add the extra pressure onto the opposition.

[MENTION=131678]Madplayer[/MENTION] has already covered Imad's batting in another post, which I have reproduced below:

Many people have this misconception that Imad is a perfect number 7.

Truth is :

1)He is a physically strong accumulator.

2) he is not a natural striker of the ball. Striking the ball big by timing it well does not come naturally to him.

3) he relies on brute force and hence he is a hit and miss kind of slogger (when he slogs)

4) someone called him a rich man's Abdur rehman and tbh its proving to be true.

5) Right now the role of a specialist t20 bowler is the only role which he can play without anybody raising a finger at him.

As for his bowling, I can't believe people are actually expecting him to take more wickets when:

1) He continuously plays all his matches with Junaid, Hasan and Amir who are all World Class bowlers and more than capable of spearheading the attack. With Shadab, Hafeez and Malik chipping in with wickets as well.

2) He is underutilized more often than not, the previous match where he did not bowl until the very end is an example.

As for his bowling, surely alarm bells should be ringing when, by your own admission, Hafeez and Malik etc. are proving to be more effective? I really don't buy the argument he doesn't take wickets because everyone else is too good. Another way of phrasing that is simply to say Imad is not good enough. Bowlers compliment one another and at the end of the day Imad is not taking wickets. Plus the more teams play him, the less effective he becomes. He is regressing rather than developing. That includes against non-asian teams like Australia who are hopeless at playing spin. Imad hasn't sought to improve his bowling and it shows.

There is a reason he is underutilised. It is because he is not effective and there are better options in the team. This raises the question of what exactly is he doing in the team? He is surplus to requirements and Pakistan would be better off playing another batsman or an actual all-rounder.

Imad's bowling is more important to the team than his batting is and I don't see why fans don't understand his importance. Thankfully, the coach Micky Arthur does and from what I've heard from Imad in recent months, he is here to stay!

If Imad's main asset is bowling, then he has no chance. Why then is he averaging 61 with the ball? Thankfully he didn't play today and Pakistan didn't feel his absence.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Bhai, I respect you but I am afraid I completely disagree with you on this.


[MENTION=131678]Madplayer[/MENTION] has already covered Imad's batting in another post, which I have reproduced below:

Many people have this misconception that Imad is a perfect number 7.

Truth is :

1)He is a physically strong accumulator.

2) he is not a natural striker of the ball. Striking the ball big by timing it well does not come naturally to him.

3) he relies on brute force and hence he is a hit and miss kind of slogger (when he slogs)

4) someone called him a rich man's Abdur rehman and tbh its proving to be true.

5) Right now the role of a specialist t20 bowler is the only role which he can play without anybody raising a finger at him.



As for his bowling, surely alarm bells should be ringing when, by your own admission, Hafeez and Malik etc. are proving to be more effective? I really don't buy the argument he doesn't take wickets because everyone else is too good. Another way of phrasing that is simply to say Imad is not good enough. Bowlers compliment one another and at the end of the day Imad is not taking wickets. Plus the more teams play him, the less effective he becomes. He is regressing rather than developing. That includes against non-asian teams like Australia who are hopeless at playing spin. Imad hasn't sought to improve his bowling and it shows.

There is a reason he is underutilised. It is because he is not effective and there are better options in the team. This raises the question of what exactly is he doing in the team? He is surplus to requirements and Pakistan would be better off playing another batsman or an actual all-rounder.



If Imad's main asset is bowling, then he has no chance. Why then is he averaging 61 with the ball? Thankfully he didn't play today and Pakistan didn't feel his absence.

I respect your insight and while Imad has been disappointing in this series, I would give him a last chance in the next series. Pakistan aren't utilizing his batting capability.

 

[htariq25]

I respect your insight and while Imad has been disappointing in this series, I would give him a last chance in the next series. Pakistan aren't utilizing his batting capability.

Batted him ahead of sarfraz in champions trophy final and on numerous occasions so can't say he hasn't been given chances. He just isn't a batsman. He's a bowling alrounder that bats at 7 at best from what I've seen so far. Opening with him is the worst thing we can do to ourselves.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Not suited at all unless he turns the tables like Narine.


Far better T20, List A & FC prospects as Openers in Domestic.

 

[babajee]

Imad doesn’t have the power hitting game to open as a pinch hitter neither does he have the technique of a proper opener.

OP you are basically asking for another Hafeez.