*ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s fast bowler Mohammad Irfan’s much anticipatedreturn to international cricket turned out to be a nightmare after thelanky speedster got hammered by the Aussies in their opening Twenty20international on Sunday. *
Pakistan got saved by the rain against Australia as persistent showershalted a rampant Aaron Finch as Australia headed for victory in their firstT20I at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
“The way Irfan started off with the ball, it was embarrassing to look at ashe was unable to land like a bad plane,” said Raja in a video. Irfan wentfor 31 runs for no wicket in his two overs, as the fast bowler suffered adrubbing at the hands of Aussies captain Aaron Finch.
“I am unable to comprehend the logic behind his [Irfan] selection, becauseif he was selected for the Australian tour only on the base of his 7ftheight, then the selector should have looked into his form as well,”questioned the former captain.
Raja, however, admitted that it is difficult to make a comeback intointernational cricket after an absence of two, three years. “I believePakistan needs to rethink its strategies, they could go for Imad Wasim withthe new ball, as he was looking a much safer bet then Irfan,” he said.
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Similar views were expressed by former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, sayingthat the fast bowler was not in form for the tour. “Irfan lacks thefitness, energy neither has he trained himself for the Australian tour…. SoI think that the selectors have made a mistake, but I still believe heshould get another chance,” said Akhtar.
The visitors managed 107 for five in a reduced 15 overs due to the weatherat the Sydney Cricket Ground, with Australia set a target of 119 under theDuckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. Australia started their chase quickly,but were left stranded on 41 without loss when the match was abandoned,with no result declared.
The series moves to Canberra on Tuesday and a final game in Perth.
