Former Pakistan captain calls for inclusion of Saim Ayub in place of Imam

Former Pakistan captain, Salman Butt has suggested that for the upcoming third Test against Australia, Pakistan should consider dropping opener Imam-ul-Haq due to his limited range of shots. 

While talking on his YouTube channel, Butt pointed out that Imam relies heavily on the flick shot and lacks variety in scoring strokes, which makes him vulnerable, especially against short-pitched deliveries.

Butt proposed the inclusion of Saim Ayub in place of Imam for the final Test match, emphasizing that Imam's batting approach seems restricted to a single shot-making technique, notably the flick.

"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,” Butt said.

Speaking on skipper Shan Masood's performance in the previous match, Butt praised Masood's control and command at the crease. Masood emerged as the highest run-scorer for Pakistan in the chase, showcasing comfort and skill. 

Butt expressed a desire to see Masood convert such promising innings into a substantial hundred and suggested that adapting to changes in momentum, especially against tough opposition, would further elevate Masood's batting maturity.

"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,” he concluded.