Watch: Javed Miandad didn’t bowl too often, but when he did, he ensured there was plenty of resulting amusement around.
That Miandad, one of Pakistan’s greatest batsmen, is a master imitator, became evident when he famously mimicked Indian stumper Kiran More during the 1992 World Cup. With a ball in hand, the results were even more entertaining, even though Miandad reserved his bowling only for the rare occasion.
During the 1983 Adelaide Test against Australia, Miandad decided to bring some life into a game heading towards a draw. Called into bowl as third change, he decided to ditch his usual leg-spin for some harmless pace, borrowing Dennis Lillee’s action while bowling to… well, Dennis Lillee.
It started with the action of Bob Willis, complete with the characteristically hanging bowling arm during run-up. As soon as the first delivery was unleashed, there were smiles all around, which continued for the entirety of his imitation game.
Out came Lillee’s action soon after, perfectly matching the twists and turns of his wavy run-up. At the end of the over, Miandad, like a true entertainer, bowed to the crowd, eliciting a loud cheer from the fifth-day audience.
Watch Javed Miandad’s imitation here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOSUdSqTiDc&ab_channel=robelinda2
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