Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt feels Pakistan should consider bringing in 21-year-old opening batter Saim Ayub to the playing XI. He also said that the youngster should replace Imam-ul-Haq for the upcoming third and final Test of the ongoing series against Australia as well.
However, Australia registered a 79-run victory in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series as well. Pakistan also failed to chase down a 317-run target in the fourth innings where Imam managed 10 and 12.
About his batting exploits, Salman Butt said in his latest YouTube video: “He can be replaced by Saim Ayub for the last Test. From what I have seen, Imam-ul-Haq does not have any strokes. There are no run-scoring shots at all. The only shot he plays is the flick. He won’t go for the ball, considering that he struggled with short balls even in India.”
Meanwhile, skipper Shan Masood was the top performer with the bat for his side, scoring 60 runs off 71 balls. Salman Butt also suggested that the batter needs to convert his good starts into big scores. He also shared how Masood erred by continuing his counterattacking approach against Pat Cummins as well.
“With the command and control he has shown with the bat, I want to see him score a big hundred. He could have hit a century this time as he looked very comfortable at the crease. When you are playing really well, and then the opposition captain comes to bowl, who is equally good, you need to change your momentum. He is mature enough to know these things,” Salman Butt stated.
However, Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers for his side, finishing with a stunning five-wicket haul. Salman Butt applauded Cummins, highlighting how he has done an incredible job while leading the team. He claimed that Cummins has never shied away from taking responsibility and helped his side achieve massive success across formats as well.
“Pat Cummins has Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, but he comes to bowl himself when Australia are desperate for a wicket. His spells have been the turning point of this series. Taking that responsibility is something that makes him a great leader. Everyone talks about Ben Stokes, but it is Pat Cummins who has done wonders despite having limited resources,” Salman Butt concluded.
The third and final Test between Australia and Pakistan will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, starting on January 3.
