"Ahmed Shehzad has the talent to come out of this poor patch" : Grant Flower

[Abdullah719]

KARACHI: Pakistan batting coach Grant Flower is confident Ahmad Shahzad’s recent failures are not a result of any psychological block resulting from the head blow he suffered three years ago as attention turns to the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka that begins on Thursday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The tour has so far been a topsy-turvy one, with Sri Lanka whitewashing the hosts 2-0 in the Tests before being defeated 5-0 in the ODI series.

Shahzad wasn’t included in the Test squad but Pakistan’s upturn in fortunes had little to do with the opener, who struggled for form and scored just eight runs off 29 balls in two matches before being replaced by Imamul Haq.

“The skull fracture Shahzad suffered did have an impact on his performances once he came back but it has now been three years and I don’t think he still has that in his mind,” Flower told The Express Tribune. “He played brilliantly against the World XI and he has generally been in good form in the shortest format of the game. As long as he keeps it simple on and off the field, he has the talent to come out of this poor patch.”

The other opener in the side, left-handed Fakhar Zaman, has also seen a dip in form since his spectacular introduction to international cricket in the Champions Trophy and Flower believes the weight of unrealistic expectations is getting to him.

“Fakhar is a brilliant batsman,” said Flower. “But he still has a long way to go. Expectations sky-rocketed after the Champions Trophy and he is having trouble handling it. However, he has the ability, the skills and the mental toughness to get through this. He can develop into an even better player.”

The undisputed star of Pakistan’s batting line-up is surely young Babar Azam and Flower was quick to hail the batting prodigy. “Babar is a classs act and is doing really well in the limited-overs formats. He is improving every day and will soon become a top-class batsman.”


Pakistan favourites to win T20Is, says Imran Nazir

Opening batsman Imran Nazir backed Pakistan to claim the T20I series as well.

“T20I cricket is different from ODIs; you need hard-hitting batsmen in this format and you can’t afford to play many dot balls,” said the 35-year-old. “Pakistan have more of a chance of winning this series too but they will have to keep the same energy and hunger, especially for the one being held in Lahore.”

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1541026/7-grant-flower-plays-shahzads-recent-failures/

 

[babajee]

Good to see Fakhar and Babar being backed by management. But Shehzad...

A “rough patch” does not last for years. That is simply mediocrity.

 

[Langau]

Shehzad's poir patch will end when he takes retirement.

 

[Railu Katta]

Yaar Khuda da khauf karo. Just drop him forever. He has made 5-6 comebacks and he always fails. He will get dropped for a series and perform in some domestic match and he's back again. When will we ever get rid of this guy.

 

[badxhah]

Yaar Khuda da khauf karo. Just drop him forever. He has made 5-6 comebacks and he always fails. He will get dropped for a series and perform in some domestic match and he's back again. When will we ever get rid of this guy.

He is not going anywhere according to the latest sources he has applied for a extension on his jugaar that will make him play in all the T-20s and be in the playing squad for the rest of his life.

 

[shane]

I hope he comes out of it soon. It's been 10 years.

 

[pkwdpassion]

Even if he score[like 50 in 55 balls in T20], Shehzad does'nt deserve to remain in the team. He is embarassing himself and the people who are keeping him. He needs to return to the domestics, bring back his old self pre-2014. Failing against bottom teams and still getting chances is doing harm to him also.
Him being selected despite his poor performances are doing more damage than good. His average is reduced into the 20s, he is most likely not to be seen in next PSL. Arthur has given him enough chances and wasted rest of the great talent for most of 2017 now. They should stop this circus. Need to try a youngster like Yamin or Ashraf change the opening combination. Whoever replaces Shehzad will still give much better strike rate.

 

[Billa86]

He is simply not good enough to play for Pakistan in T20 & ODI team. I'll give him run in Test matches though.

 

[hadi123]

Have to disagree with Grant Flower. He has been mediocre for Pakistan for a very long time now. Doesn't have the right attitude either to work on his game. Hopefully he will be dropped from the next ODI squad as well. This T20 series may be the last chance for him in this format as well.

 

[Hitman]

No he doesn't. He is a strokeless wonder who'll never reach anywhere even if he works hard and improves his attitude (unlikely though) because he lacks talent.

 

[Savak]

Needs to go back to domestic, he is batting like a guy under pressure and short of confidence.

 

[another drop catch]

As Selfie is not going to be dropped
I seriously hope he plays well at good strike rate and contribute in teams win
we want to see new Shezzy 2.0

 

[Bewal Express]

Give Shazad a run, like they are in T20 and if cant swim, he needs to be sunk for a long time.

 

[pakistani pride]

You really be worried when your batting coach says such things..

I mean shezad is playing INT cricket for about 8 years and always is in the 65 to max 75 SR range!

 

[Rana]

I was watching an old video of the Hong Kong sixes final in which he scored 93 or something. I couldn't believe this was the same Ahmad Shahzad that we see today. He had no fear back then to take on every delivery and the confidence, to some extent the arrogance was oozing from his face.

The Shahzad we see today isn't even a shadow of the once, talented young man who bursted into the scene

 

[Shafi]

Even if he gets dropped from ODI Azhar Ali will be retained and he is not that good either.
Just keep Hafeez if Inzi don't have power to drop him and hope he pass the bowling test.

 

[sshakir411]

I think Ahmed still doesn't know what works for him and what doesn't. In terms of getting performance out of yourself. Talent has been there but that does not translate in to performance. He was a far better player in his U19 days when he looked to attack. He's been a complete chicken for whatever reason for the last 4 years.

 

[IndYeah1]

Shehzad is still one of the few top order batsmen in Pakistan's squad that can drive a good length ball to the boundary without slogging or hoicking. He has his strike rotation issues, but he shouldn't be discarded altogether. Its not like Pakistan are so rich in batting prospects. And for all of Princess Selfiana's immaturity, I think Pakistan would be better served giving Shehzad a shot as Test Opener ahead of the likes of Salman Butt who sold their country. His SR issues won't be as much of a problem in test cricket anyway. Its probably his best bet at an international cricket career - basically do the job that Murali Vijay does for the Indian team.

 

[Billa86]

Grant is joking right

 

[marlonbrowndo]

I was watching an old video of the Hong Kong sixes final in which he scored 93 or something. I couldn't believe this was the same Ahmad Shahzad that we see today. He had no fear back then to take on every delivery and the confidence, to some extent the arrogance was oozing from his face.

The Shahzad we see today isn't even a shadow of the once, talented young man who bursted into the scene

He was always a mediocre batsman. Don't know why some fans just can't understand this. I know you try to defend him at every oppurtunity but stop living in denial. Always been rubbish

 

[Mamoon]

The situation is pretty clear to me. As long as Shehzad does well relative to the competition, he will be part of the squad. He is competing with his own teammates, not with the best openers in the world.

I used to be frustrated with his performance. It was a time when people were drooling over him after a few tons in 2013-14, and I was getting stick for not having faith in him, but then people realized that he is not going to be a top class player. However, I made peace with the fact that he is one of our better options.

What stopped Fakhar from outperforming him in the last few T20Is? What has stopped the other Pakistani batsmen from scoring more runs in the PSL? Yes he deserves to be dropped from the ODI XI, but if Imam performs poorly for a few games Shehzad will be considered for selection again.

As long as he is scoring runs in domestic cricket he will get chances. Sahibzada Farhan is the latest talk of the town and I hope he gets a PSL contract next year. If he performs, drop him for Shehzad by all means.

Both Arthur and Flower have faith in him and they see the hard work that he puts behind the scenes. He is not going to be discarded for good and I suggest that people accept it. There is no need of hating on him blindly.

 

[shane]

No he doesn't. He is a strokeless wonder who'll never reach anywhere even if he works hard and improves his attitude (unlikely though) because he lacks talent.

It's hilarious that he was being compared to Kohli not so long ago, by very deluded fans.

 

[shah_1]

The situation is pretty clear to me. As long as Shehzad does well relative to the competition, he will be part of the squad. He is competing with his own teammates, not with the best openers in the world.

I used to be frustrated with his performance. It was a time when people were drooling over him after a few tons in 2013-14, and I was getting stick for not having faith in him, but then people realized that he is not going to be a top class player. However, I made peace with the fact that he is one of our better options.

What stopped Fakhar from outperforming him in the last few T20Is? What has stopped the other Pakistani batsmen from scoring more runs in the PSL? Yes he deserves to be dropped from the ODI XI, but if Imam performs poorly for a few games Shehzad will be considered for selection again.

As long as he is scoring runs in domestic cricket he will get chances. Sahibzada Farhan is the latest talk of the town and I hope he gets a PSL contract next year. If he performs, drop him for Shehzad by all means.

Both Arthur and Flower have faith in him and they see the hard work that he puts behind the scenes. He is not going to be discarded for good and I suggest that people accept it. There is no need of hating on him blindly.

bold part

If Imam is not preforming well than Azhar Ali will replace him not Shehzad.

Azhar Ali has a better strike rate and average than Shehzad. Selfie averages 32 with a strike rate of 72, Even Hafeez has better stats than him since 2011. He is not our best option in ODI cricket. Umar Amin averaged 100+ in Pakistan Cup 2017 and is not getting the opportunity.

 

[another drop catch]

The situation is pretty clear to me. As long as Shehzad does well relative to the competition, he will be part of the squad. He is competing with his own teammates, not with the best openers in the world.

I used to be frustrated with his performance. It was a time when people were drooling over him after a few tons in 2013-14, and I was getting stick for not having faith in him, but then people realized that he is not going to be a top class player. However, I made peace with the fact that he is one of our better options.

What stopped Fakhar from outperforming him in the last few T20Is? What has stopped the other Pakistani batsmen from scoring more runs in the PSL? Yes he deserves to be dropped from the ODI XI, but if Imam performs poorly for a few games Shehzad will be considered for selection again.

As long as he is scoring runs in domestic cricket he will get chances. Sahibzada Farhan is the latest talk of the town and I hope he gets a PSL contract next year. If he performs, drop him for Shehzad by all means.

Both Arthur and Flower have faith in him and they see the hard work that he puts behind the scenes. He is not going to be discarded for good and I suggest that people accept it. There is no need of hating on him blindly.

some members are so deluded that they think Shehzad should be replaced as soon as possible as if some tendulkar , jayasuriya or hayden type of batsmen are being waiting for chances
Reality is that There is no one who can replace shehzad but these people overhype untested players as if they are next ATGs

 

[shah_1]

some members are so deluded that they think Shehzad should be replaced as soon as possible as if some tendulkar , jayasuriya or hayden type of batsmen are being waiting for chances
Reality is that There is no one who can replace shehzad but these people overhype untested players as if they are next ATGs

in ODIS

He averages 27.60 for almost 3 years(since 2015) that average has boosted by innings against UAE and Ireland and it goes down to 23. 21 with of SR of 68 without those two innings.

You are telling me that we don't have better option than him?

 

[Hitman]

It's hilarious that he was being compared to Kohli not so long ago, by very deluded fans.

He was being compared to Sachin by some former players. Abdul Qadir said that he could become Pakistan's Tendulkar even before he played a single match. Abdul Razzaq once said that he has more talent that Tendulkar ever had.

Look, Tendulkar is no holy cow that no one can be compared with him. But how can people, that too former players, be so oblivious to a player's talent, in this case Ahmed Shehzad?

 

[Abdullah719]

some members are so deluded that they think Shehzad should be replaced as soon as possible as if some tendulkar , jayasuriya or hayden type of batsmen are being waiting for chances
Reality is that There is no one who can replace shehzad but these people overhype untested players as if they are next ATGs

Do you realise there is something in between ATG and mediocrity?

People want Shehzad dropped because he isn't very good and because people believe there are better options.

Those options don't need to be Bradman, Viv or Tendulkar to be better than Ahmed Shehzad.

 

[Hitman]

I remember Saj telling much before he made his debut on his horrible attitude. Saj mockingly said that knowing Shehzad he probably believes in his heart that he is already better than Sachin. This was even before he made his debut and before stories about his deplorable attitude started coming out.

A player without a proper attitude, no matter how talented, would never make it for long. At the most he'll end up being another KP.

 

[Mr Brummie]

If he had any shame, he should retire and leave with (no) dignity!

 

[Hitman]

If he had any shame, he should retire and leave with (no) dignity!

Retire at the age of 25? Not his fault that he isn't good enough. It's the selectors job to keep him off the bench.