"Mitchell Starc isn't a threat, in fact I am excited over the prospect of facing him" : Imam-ul-Haq

[Abdullah719]

"Mitchell Starc isn't a threat, in fact I am excited over the prospect of facing him" : Imam-ul-Haq

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq is relishing facing Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc when the two teams meet in the World Cup in Taunton on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old, a nephew of Pakistan great Inzamam-ul-Haq, said the confidence he had gained from facing England quicks Jofra Archer and Mark Wood would help him tame the Australia attack.

“Starc isn't a threat,” said Imam. “In fact I am excited over the prospect of facing him. Same was said about Archer and Wood but we played them with confidence.”

Imam scored a solid 44 in an 82-run opening stand against England in Nottingham, setting up Pakistan's second-highest total ever in a World Cup of 348 for eight in a match they won by 14 runs.

That came after he could only muster two runs in Pakistan's seven-wicket defeat against the West Indies in their opening game, when they were bowled for a paltry 105.

“I have played (Kagiso) Rabada and Dale Steyn in more difficult conditions in South Africa,” said Imam, referring to Pakistan's tour of South Africa earlier this year.

Imam was Pakistan's most successful batsman on that one-day international series with 271 runs, including a century, in the five matches.

“You can't say a bowler is threatening,” he said. “I try to prepare according to my strengths instead of bowlers' strengths. I don't think like that, because you need to beat top teams if you want to play the World Cup final.”

Imam, who hit a century on his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2017, scored a brilliant 151 against England in the series between the two countries before the World Cup.

He stressed the importance of giving Pakistan a platform in every game, with the help of opening partner Fakhar Zaman, as they prepare to face the defending champions, who will be smarting after a defeat to India.

“If you analyse then you notice that teams have succeeded in the World Cup mostly when the top three players have done well,” he said.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...-australia-world-cup-2019/article27765929.ece

 

[Ronaldo7]

No wonder an Indian source is quoting him.
But, hey at least he's not sugarcoating anything. If he doesn't fear starc, then he just doesn't. No need to lie.

 

[Cric1234]

Another arrogant comment from Imam such is his ability no bowler is a threat.

 

[Rana]

Be careful what you wish for, one sharp bouncer and you could end up in the hospital

 

[KyoOne]

Should not be going Gaga over his 40 odd at 75 Sr on the flatest of pitches.

Learn some humility.

 

[JaDed]

Ooh shots fired Starc , hopefully Zampa helps outt

 

[Majestic_Inzi]

how do taunton wickets play? not many international games have been held there.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Be careful what you wish for, one sharp bouncer and you could end up in the hospital

Maybe he knows that the match isn't gonna be played. So might as well...

 

[ataullah]

how do taunton wickets play? not many international games have been held there.

It's a green top at the moment but hopefully they shave grass off. Sarfraz Ahmed was worried about pitch according to jang newspaper

 

[nam]

India showed how Starc and Cummins can be negated.. Pakistan just need to follow suit..

- Play ramp up shot when they bowl bouncers
- leave good balls outside off stump
- take quick singles
- charge at the back end of the innings
- put away any bad balls if they get it

 

[Hawkeye]

Good comment.

We need this more from our timid cricketers with zero personality.

However, Imam himself isn't good enough and it would look better coming from a quality batsman like Babar Azam or Haris or even Hafeez.

Those guys can take apart bowlers, especially pacers.

Imam might still do well though with his attritional and defensive cricket, we need that against Starc.

 

[Mueez]

Confident lad.

I know he is limited but he has a good attitude.

I hope he can improve for the sake of Pakistani batting.

 

[Rana]

With all due respect, Pakistan have dealt with him before and I don’t see why Starc’s name is being especially mentioned. Hazlewood is the one who has done well against us historically, he picks up the big wickets for Australia against Pakistan.

 

[The_Odd_One]

I like his confidence. To be honest, Starc has not been the same bowler that he used to be a couple of years ago.

 

[Cric1234]

Good comment.

We need this more from our timid cricketers with zero personality.

However, Imam himself isn't good enough and it would look better coming from a quality batsman like Babar Azam or Haris or even Hafeez.

Those guys can take apart bowlers, especially pacers.

Imam might still do well though with his attritional and defensive cricket, we need that against Starc.

It's not such a good comment disrespecting the opposition it's like Wahab saying Kohli isn't a threat I am excited bowling to him when that isn't true.
In reality Starc is very much a threat but they shouldn't fear him however he shouldn't be put down in such a way.

 

[warcry]

I like his confidence.
this is the right approach instead of "mitch starc omg such a great bowler we are so scared of him"

 

[Majestic_Inzi]

Starc is an threat the first 3-4 overs after that hes finished.

India dished out some phainty on him the other day.

 

[Draeoftroy]

No wonder an Indian source is quoting him.
But, hey at least he's not sugarcoating anything. If he doesn't fear starc, then he just doesn't. No need to lie.

WHAT IF Starc bowls high guarded bouncers towards his body?

It will be tough for him to counter Starc with his club-level technique

Abid Ali deserved to be in that place gifted to him by his uncle Inzamam.

 

[Ronaldo7]

WHAT IF Starc bowls high guarded bouncers towards his body?

It will be tough for him to counter Starc with his club-level technique

Abid Ali deserved to be in that place gifted to him by his uncle Inzamam.

Abid Ali?? )
You're seriously talking about him still??

I'd rather have a 20 odd year old lad who has a future ahead of him instead of a 30 odd year old unfit guy who still has faults in his technique.

 

[Syed1]

Imam shouldn't talk too much, the Aussies are getting desperate and have started to employ hand warmers

 

[Saj]

Trying to work out if this is overconfidence or him genuinely being honest about his faith in his ability.

 

[Hawkeye]

It's not such a good comment disrespecting the opposition it's like Wahab saying Kohli isn't a threat I am excited bowling to him when that isn't true.
In reality Starc is very much a threat but they shouldn't fear him however he shouldn't be put down in such a way.

Maybe he's misquoted.

Or maybe he's just trying to get under his skin.

I like it. Need this confidence in our timid team. But like I said, I would've been more confident if it came from a quality batsman.

 

[Titan24]

To be honest Starc has been pretty mediocre for sometime with odd decent performances in between.

 

[Draeoftroy]

Abid Ali?? )
You're seriously talking about him still??

I'd rather have a 20 odd year old lad who has a future ahead of him instead of a 30 odd year old unfit guy who still has faults in his technique.

Hahaha thanks for showing your cricket knowledge calling Imam faultless and a future prospect lol. I doubt he would be able to stay once his uncle is removed and come few tough series against good team like NZ.

I have'nt posted before about Abid Ali so its NEWS to me that I';ve already made a remark before which you were able to find.

Funny in post Misbah-era people talking about age
Abid Ali is a back foot strokemaker who has more skills to survive the new bowl and make it count that club cricketer Imam who God forbid won't be able to take a straight bouncer .

 

[big_gamer007]

Imam is what every great batsman has been in the past. Confidence young guy who has ability in his own skills. Without an attitude like his you can never be a great batsman.

People think he's arrogant just because he says what's in his mind but this confidence is needed to succeed.

Imagine Sachin or Lars thinking and doubting their abilities against great bowlers of their time. Would they have been as successful? Hell no

The only difference is they they sugar coated and were diplomatic whereas imam says how he feels. Pakistanis are lucky to have such a kid, he has a bright future and potential to go down as second best Pakistani ODI opener ever. (Though the benchmark for that is quite low).

 

[Energy]

Sounds like a fan-boy to be honest.

 

[octavian]

Good comment.

We need this more from our timid cricketers with zero personality.

However, Imam himself isn't good enough and it would look better coming from a quality batsman like Babar Azam or Haris or even Hafeez.

Those guys can take apart bowlers, especially pacers.

Imam might still do well though with his attritional and defensive cricket, we need that against Starc.

This. Well said

 

[Ronaldo7]

Hahaha thanks for showing your cricket knowledge calling Imam faultless and a future prospect lol. I doubt he would be able to stay once his uncle is removed and come few tough series against good team like NZ.

I have'nt posted before about Abid Ali so its NEWS to me that I';ve already made a remark before which you were able to find.

Funny in post Misbah-era people talking about age
Abid Ali is a back foot strokemaker who has more skills to survive the new bowl and make it count that club cricketer Imam who God forbid won't be able to take a straight bouncer .

Where did I call him 'faultless'??

He's only 23 or something hence can improve his technique. Abid can't.

 

[rhony]

Good. Be aggressive, positive and bring it on. That's the only way to defeat Aussies.

 

[topspin]

This is called looking at the upcoming weather details, ensuring it is a wash-out forecast first, then talk tough and pray the match doesn't go ahead, so you don't get it bounced out or injured.

 

[waleed88]

Good comment.

We need this more from our timid cricketers with zero personality.

However, Imam himself isn't good enough and it would look better coming from a quality batsman like Babar Azam or Haris or even Hafeez.

Those guys can take apart bowlers, especially pacers.

Imam might still do well though with his attritional and defensive cricket, we need that against Starc.

The problem is Imam is a very timid batsman on the pitch.

And he will be on the receiving end of some banter because of his words

 

[khalidzeeshan31]

Imam is what every great batsman has been in the past. Confidence young guy who has ability in his own skills. Without an attitude like his you can never be a great batsman.

People think he's arrogant just because he says what's in his mind but this confidence is needed to succeed.

Imagine Sachin or Lars thinking and doubting their abilities against great bowlers of their time. Would they have been as successful? Hell no

The only difference is they they sugar coated and were diplomatic whereas imam says how he feels. Pakistanis are lucky to have such a kid, he has a bright future and potential to go down as second best Pakistani ODI opener ever. (Though the benchmark for that is quite low).

Who was the best in your opinion? just curious if it was Saeed Anwar..

 

[Hasan123]

Good confidence . Why should he say things to please the media ? I'm glad he has confidence in his ability but he needs to back it up now.

 

[K4Kohli]

good and aggresive

 

[hadi123]

Fair enough. I don't think he is being 'cocky' by saying these statements, he isn't being disrespectful to Starc, he is simply backing his own abilities. If he can see of Starc and Cummins, I expect Imam to go big!

 

[last_knight]

In a long tournament, after couple of matches arrogance is prime driver of a team. Helps to control disengagement.

Good comments.

 

[Mamoon]

Imam is one of the best things that has happened to Pakistan cricket in recent times. I see a future captain in him.

As far as Starc is concerned, he is still world class, but he is not the bowler he was four years ago.

 

[Hyperion66]

He speaks with confidence which I am sure he can back up with performance. One of the most exciting young prospects of world cricket. Not arrogant like Babar nor speak gibberish like Sarfraz, he should be the face of Pak cricket.

 

[gazza619]

Imam is one of the best things that has happened to Pakistan cricket in recent times. I see a future captain in him.

As far as Starc is concerned, he is still world class, but he is not the bowler he was four years ago.

Agreed. Imam is the only choice really as far as I see as well.

I think he needs to play one match winning knock in this WC (preferably against India) to put his haters lay to rest forever.

He has not only convinced me but I see Aussies also a fan of his batting. Warner tried to emulate him in the run chase against India but ended up being too slow

On a serious note Imam is here to stay.

 

[babajee]

Starc doesn't get enough bounce.

 

[Hyperion66]

Another arrogant comment from Imam such is his ability no bowler is a threat.

Confidence my friend, not arrogance. What was he supposed to say, that he is scared of facing Starc?

 

[gazza619]

Confidence my friend, not arrogance. What was he supposed to say, that he is scared of facing Starc?

I think we are just not used to these kind of confident statements by our batsmen.

Will take time to adjust.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Confidence my friend, not arrogance. What was he supposed to say, that he is scared of facing Starc?

Jeez. YOU out of all people are appreciating imam.
Imam must be special then.

 

[ali2220]

A big mouth, have never liked him, but I have to admit that he has proved me wrong in past.

 

[Hyperion66]

Jeez. YOU out of all people are appreciating imam.
Imam must be special then.

Of course he is special, look at his stats, I couldn't very well belittle him even if I wanted to.

Amount of **** he faces everyday from a section of Pak fans is outrageous, Pak would be a world beater if it had a couple more "Parchee" like him.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Imam has quiet a decent technique from what i have seen. I think he should be fine. Having said that STarc has lost only the accuracy not the pace. He still has wheels. If he gets it right he could be an uncomfortable customer.

 

[Pete Rose]

no issues with what he said, if that motivates him to do better.

 

[Madplayer]

Well done to Imam. Really good confidence. I dont like him as a player but i love his attitude.

 

[ali2220]

I think we are just not used to these kind of confident statements by our batsmen.

Will take time to adjust.

True, have seen statements like these from our bowlers but never from our batter, so it look weird to lot of people.He is still very much disliked in Pak.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Actually the confidence is due to him facing Starc before with the new ball in a completely different format (Test) on a good batting wicket and scoring a 200 opening partnership. Mitchell Starc hasn't delivered any special spell against Pakistan for us to fear him, all 3 of Imam, Fakhar and Babar will enjoy facing and taking him apart.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Without sandpaper or other similar ball tampering aids Starc isn’t the bowler he used to be.

 

[Hyperion66]

True, have seen statements like these from our bowlers but never from our batter, so it look weird to lot of people.He is still very much disliked in Pak.

This is just sad. How bad he must feel knowing that no matter how much he performs that "Parchee" tag is never going to go, not his fault he is related to the chief selector and also not like you have Anwars and Haydens warming the bench because of him.

 

[Ronaldo7]

of course he is special, look at his stats, i couldn't very well belittle him even if i wanted to.

Amount of **** he faces everyday from a section of pak fans is outrageous, pak would be a world beater if it had a couple more "parchee" like him.

respect

 

[jnaveen1980]

Without sandpaper or other similar ball tampering aids Starc isn’t the bowler he used to be.

His average against all teams except SA, England, India is below 25. Infact in teens or below.

 

[gazza619]

True, have seen statements like these from our bowlers but never from our batter, so it look weird to lot of people.He is still very much disliked in Pak.

The best thing that could ever happen to Imam’s career is if Inzi quits as a selector. I hope Inzi does call it a day for the sake of Imam’s future.

 

[ExplicitAI]

Imam reminds me of a Pak version of Alastair Cook for some reason (batting wise in ODI's), but he needs to improve his SR. This type of attitude is needed compared to what we had in the Misbah era.

 

[BaankeJi]

Imam is one of the best things that has happened to Pakistan cricket in recent times. I see a future captain in him.

As far as Starc is concerned, he is still world class, but he is not the bowler he was four years ago.

I agree to that. Imam is a fighter.

 

[BalluBalleBaaz]

He has sound technique and good mental game. Needs to survive first 10 overs and he will score big.

 

[Mp812]

Hopefully he hasn't mistaken starc to be Tony stark and is excited to face him

 

[Sir-fraz]

Imam is one of the best things that has happened to Pakistan cricket in recent times. I see a future captain in him.

As far as Starc is concerned, he is still world class, but he is not the bowler he was four years ago.

I disliked him before, but he has proven he has what it takes to play internationally.

And yea out of all the options he will most likely be the captain after sarfaraz.

Starc has lost that venom he used to have. Injuries played their part. I dont think hes even in the top 5 bowlers in the wc

 

[ali2220]

This is just sad. How bad he must feel knowing that no matter how much he performs that "Parchee" tag is never going to go, not his fault he is related to the chief selector and also not like you have Anwars and Haydens warming the bench because of him.

Ppl still believe that he's a "parchee", which indeed is incorrect.I have seen ppl waiting for him to fail so they can attack him.He's not my fav's but lot better than the likes of Shehzad,farhat etc that use to open for us.

 

[Captain caveman]

This guy has got a big mouth!
Talks like he is kohli, when he is nothing more than a glorified tailender.
Lucky for him the match will probably washed out.

 

[moghul]

Looks like he knows already the match will be washed out.

 

[Mainul]

Another arrogant comment from Imam such is his ability no bowler is a threat.

No arrogance in it. Well said by Imam

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

I predict this is gonna get bumped a lot over the next few years

 

[NoBallZombie]

Watching the rubbish that Starc bowled against India, I would say there is no reason for him to be a threat to anyone. If there is a threat, it is only Cummins to an extent.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Watch out Imam ... Starc and Cummins won't be easy

 

[Slim]

Mouthing off with not much to show for this WC so far.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Not sure if the statement goes hand in hand with his batting approach.

Needs to shut up and put on some match winning performances, let his bat do the talking, but no.

Aus are generally the guys who put in a much better performance when provoked. Not sure if the current bunch would also follow the suit.

 

[DRsohail]

Imam is one of the best things that has happened to Pakistan cricket in recent times. I see a future captain in him.

As far as Starc is concerned, he is still world class, but he is not the bowler he was four years ago.

If Babar said that then your reaction would have been different, Not saying how pooor Imam is against pacy short pitch bowling.

 

[big_gamer007]

Who was the best in your opinion? just curious if it was Saeed Anwar..

Anwar of course, at some point of time he was best in the world. I think his fitness and tragedies let him down if he had better fitness he would have been comparable to the world's best.

 

[Hawkeye]

If Babar said that then your reaction would have been different, Not saying how pooor Imam is against pacy short pitch bowling.

He has his favorites.

Like most people I guess.

Would be fuming if Fakhar had made that statement, or if something similar came from a bowler like Amir/Hasan or Shadab.

 

[big_gamer007]

This guy has got a big mouth!
Talks like he is kohli, when he is nothing more than a glorified tailender.
Lucky for him the match will probably washed out.

Lol if he's tailender what are the other batsman?

 

[oneindia]

Imam got my respect. It takes a courage to show confidence. This is what pakistan team used to be. I wish Pakistan loose (Obviously) but i certainly hope Imam has a cracking day. Cricket needs fearless heroes.

 

[KyoOne]

He's as arrogant as Salman Butt used to be, and is as slow as Butt was as an opener.

Not good signs these.

 

[saeedhk]

This guy is a joke. He scored at a SR of 75. One dimensional player with no shots. Pathetic player. PCB really needs to put a tape on our players before crucial matches because they usually backfire.

 

[Tyler Durden]

I like this lad's attitude! He at least has the confidence and comprehension skills to come out and say that unlike the other meek personalities in the Pak batting set up. He's not throwing some silly statements like 'I'll pick 10 wickets against India' or 'teams are scared of facing us' nonsense! If only he could back these statements with his performance against Starc & Co. A nice contest ahead!

 

[Ronaldo7]

Lol. People are making judgements before even watching the actual video. He said that "I personally don't see as a threat but I will be wary of his bowling".
There's no arrogance in this whatsoever.

 

[cr7great]

if indian batsman can score 74 in 10 overs against starc, i expect pakistan batsmen to score 80 in 10 overs against starck

 

[NauV]

I like Imam! I do . . . but I don't like this overt display of confidence . . it's one thing coming from someone who has been dominating attacks around the world part of a team that has been dominating attacks around the world . .

Maybe I can give him the benefit of the doubt due to language . . Perhaps what he really meant was that 'threat' isn't the right word but I am relishing the challenge . .