Can Junaid Khan eclipse Amir from our memories?
Although
all of us miss Mohammad Amir, the bowling prodigy that rose from a
humble background to become the most-talked about bowling sensation in a
matter of a single season, there are many who do not wish to see him
back in Pakistan colours. Despite having a soft corner for Amir, I was
hoping Pakistan finds his replacement as the cupboard has never been
empty as far as fast bowling is concerned for Pakistan. Then enter
Mohammad Junaid Khan, his teammate at the junior level.
Junaid Khan, born in Matra, Mardan in KPK province, was equally impressive at under-19 level if not better than his teammate Mohammad Amir. The guile, precocity and a certain aura gave Amir the edge and he leapfrogged Junaid to burst on to the international scene.
Junaid continued to work hard and took heaps of wickets in the domestic and A-level cricket. He deserved a chance but Pakistan’s bowling seemed settled with the likes of Amir, Asif and Umar Gul. Then there was Wahab Riaz who had impressed in his debut Test match. The doors of international cricket seemed closed for Junaid for the time being.
But in life, and especially in Pakistan cricket, doors are never closed. Amir’s meteoric rise turned to fall from grace as he was banned for spot-fixing by the ICC and was subsequently put behind bars in the UK. Junaid Khan was the logical choice. He was called to bolster Pakistan attack in the middle of the World Cup 2011 when Sohail Tanvir broke down. He could not get a game but soon made his international debut in an ODI in the West Indies in April 2011. Later that year he made his Test debut at the age of 21 years against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. He was below average on his debut as another debutant Aizaz Cheema stole the limelight.
He showed his true ability in his next Test appearance, against Sri Lanka on a flat wicket in Abu Dhabi, where he took 5 for 38 in the first innings. He could not earn a permanent place in the side but whenever he was given a chance he bowled with valor and class with varying luck. After a drubbing in the first Test in the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan needed their fast bowlers to come good and Junaid did not disappoint. On the flattest of pitches at SSC Colombo, he bowled his heart out and earned his second fiver-fer and the Man of the Match.
The performance earned him praise from not only his captain but from the opposition skipper as well. He showed the ability to move the new ball both ways although their was not much movement on offer. The way he exploited the old ball, especially from round the wicket, reminded every one of Wasim Akram, the legendary left-armer whom every one aims to emulate.
On dead pitches he has an impressive record, 23 wickets at 27. The fact that Amir, at this stage of his career, had 18 wickets at 36 speaks volumes about Junaid’s credentials as Test bowler. Amir was nippier but Junaid is also touching 90-miles an hour. With more exposure and experience, he will only improve especially on lively pitches in England, Australia and South Africa.
Certainly he will be given a continuous run in Test cricket. In his short career so far, he has shown remarkable ability of staying focused despite playing irregularly. This shows that he is mentally strong, a trait necessary for a fast bowler. With slight work on his action, he can increase his speed a couple of notches. At this young age if you know how to bring an out-swinger in after pitching, you surely have a bright future.
He plays for Abbottabad in the domestic circuit but merits a stronger team in the coming seasons. He had an impressive stint with Lancashire in 2011 with more opportunities beckoning for a bright future.
The success of Junaid khan proves you can make your presence felt if you have traits like perseverance and faith in your capability. It also proves that dignity takes you farther, not greed. We may see Amir play again, but Junaid khan has established a solid foothold from which he is never going to be dislodged.
Image credits: AP/AFP
