Aus vs Pak: Netizens want Saim Ayub over Imam-ul-Haq for Sydney Test
The left-handed opener has not performed up to the mark in both Tests
Pakistan suffered a 79-run defeat against Australia in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday and fans have started demanding a change in the playing XI.
Pakistan’s bowlers bowled exceptionally and bundled the entire Australian side out for 262 in their second innings with a target of 317 runs.
With one and half days to bat, the visitors were sure to chase the target but a disappointing start by their openers, Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq, made things worse as they were 49-2 in just 14.3 overs.
Imam has been under strict scrutiny for a long time because of his inconsistency with the bat and after a shambolic display in Melbourne, where he scored 10 and 12 runs in two innings respectively, fans have given their verdict and are asking for the inclusion of Saim Ayub in the playing XI for the last Test.
Here is what fans on X, formerly Twitter, posted
Saim emerged as one of the finest batters in recent times. He announced himself to the world during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 8 this year and then supplemented that with consistent display with the bat in domestic cricket and T20 leagues in different countries.
The 21-year-old got his maiden call-up in red-ball cricket and he may become part of the playing XI during the last Test which will be played at Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.
It must be noted that Pakistan fought valiantly but failed to stand in front of Australia’s pace attack as the hosts’ skipper Pat Cummins kept on rattling the stumps and sent the entire Pakistan side back to the pavilion for 237 runs during their chase of 317.
Shan Masood (60) and Salman Ali Agha (50) were the visitors’ top contributors with the bat but their efforts weren’t enough to clinch a win.
