Asad Shafiq cannot handle pressure - this is a fact

[MenInG]

First sign of trouble and we look at Asad's body language and we know for sure he wont survive.

When, apart from that 2016 innings will Asad actually stand up and make himself known to the opposition?

Also when exactly will patience run out for Pakistan management?

Here are Asad's last 11 scores outside Asia: 7, 6, 20, 88, 0, 65, 76, 0, 9, 57, 7

 

[Major]

Fully agree. Yesterday i was defending azhar ali, but now after seeing the score card it just makes you angry.

Both these players are senior players, that innings being played by shan should be played by one of these two.

Azhar and asad come out they have this negative body language that they will grt out.

When a senior player doesnt perform, you add more pressure on the new guys like rizwan and shadab. They dont perform they get dropped. Senior doesnt perform, senior gets a chance upon chance.

Pakostan has to make a decision on asad or ahzar. Now problem is one is captain and the other has some fifties

 

[Mamoon]

Pressure or no pressure, Shafiq is not good enough to be a leading batsman. His ceiling is an average of 38-39.

He not only fails to score tough runs but also soft runs.

 

[Invincible Gujjar]

He is one of the worst batsman. He never performs when it matters.He should have been dumped a long time ago. It's all loser misbah's fault.

 

[Pacy with wisdom]

He and azhar are going to be replaced by Abdullah Shafiq and Haider Ali in the future. Both of these two have the potential to be very very good.
So i guess we all have to just wait till then.

 

[Mueez]

Surely he must be the worst batsman ever to play so many Tests.

I’ve had enough of him.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Not cool to bash a player in first inning of a tough tour.

Come on MIG bro. Back Asaf for two tests.

 

[Zaz]

Not cool to bash a player in first inning of a tough tour.

Come on MIG bro. Back Asaf for two tests.

Hes been playing for 10 years uninterrupted Hes been backed and not dropped for 70 odd consecutive tests

Hes in his mid 30s and doesnt avge 40, after years of mediocre performances its time a decision was made

 

[topspin]

First sign of trouble and we look at Asad's body language and we know for sure he wont survive.

When, apart from that 2016 innings will Asad actually stand up and make himself known to the opposition?

Also when exactly will patience run out for Pakistan management?

Here are Asad's last 11 scores outside Asia: 7, 6, 20, 88, 0, 65, 76, 0, 9, 57, 7

Very well said. Couldn't agree anymore.

It is time for Misbah to at least replace Shafiq but with him history seems to repeat himself. He will score an insignificant 50/100 and then retain his place in the side.

 

[DrSchultz]

Acha farmanbardar bacha hai. What else do you want? batting average?? get outta here...

 

[saadsahabjee]

Asad

azhar

Rizwan

Should never play for pak again

 

[cricketjoshila]

He is not a test class batsman. He is a avg player.

 

[arehaan]

Hes a second innings player when the game is done and dusted.

If you check his stats most of his performances come in loosing cause and he is playing for his skin. Never liked this guy as he was always a mediocre one and this is his ceiling.

 

[Solid Snake]

First sign of trouble and we look at Asad's body language and we know for sure he wont survive.

When, apart from that 2016 innings will Asad actually stand up and make himself known to the opposition?

Also when exactly will patience run out for Pakistan management?

Here are Asad's last 11 scores outside Asia: 7, 6, 20, 88, 0, 65, 76, 0, 9, 57, 7

To which innings are you referring to here? Is it the 'amazing' hundred in the Gabba when we were chasing 450?

I don't mean to harsh, but as I've expressed previously, that innings perfectly encapsulates Asad's utility (or lack thereof). By his own admission he said he played with no pressure on the 4th day when he reached his century, and why would you, it was a lost cause.

Watch the highlights of the final day again. When victory was in sight, he looked completely at sea, and Yasir Shah was actually the one batting more assuredly at that point. So much so that I would actually get nervous whenever Shafiq was on strike (the supposed senior batsman!)

Mentally weak player, then, now, and always.

 

[shah_1]

Mentally weak batsman

Not good enough for test cricket

 

[Mir jibran]

Surely he must be the worst batsman ever to play so many Tests.

I’ve had enough of him.

Both azhar and asad should have retired along with misbah and yk
Instead of taking responsibility and leading the team they have regressed

 

[Uzi]

I don't know what he does to keep on getting selected, but this series should be the end of the line for him and Azhar.

The question is, will they be shown the door or not? We have seen players selected consistently for 10-15 years that have had the most mediocre careers.

 

[Savak]

England took a call on Ian Bell after a while. Will our selectors do the same on Asad Shafiq?

 

[Bhaijaan]

Hes been playing for 10 years uninterrupted Hes been backed and not dropped for 70 odd consecutive tests

Hes in his mid 30s and doesnt avge 40, after years of mediocre performances its time a decision was made

I understand that brother.

But I always believe that if question marks are there a player should not be picked.

But if you do decide to go into a test series putting faith in a player, you mist back him for 3-4 outings before you plan to drop him. Test cricket is hard, maybe Babar falls short in next inning and Asad Shafiq comes good. This is why test cricket is as great as it is.

 

[Bhaijaan]

He is not a test class batsman. He is a avg player.

Played an ATG level knock in Australia chasing 400-500 something. Almost pulled it off. How is that not test class?

 

[shah_1]

It is time for replacements(Asad and Azhar) after this series

 

[cricketjoshila]

Played an ATG level knock in Australia chasing 400-500 something. Almost pulled it off. How is that not test class?

Because he can only play big innings once in a while. Thats why his avg is less than 40.

 

[gazza619]

I think sarfraz would do better as a batsman than Asad

 

[Bhaijaan]

Because he can only play big innings once in a while. Thats why his avg is less than 40.

Tiger Pataudi averages less than 40 as a test cricketer.

Is he test class or is he not test class?

 

[Barragan]

He is simply mediocre - this is a fact.

 

[sweep_shot]

I expected him to do better. Kind of disappointing.

 

[Zaz]

Tiger Pataudi averages less than 40 as a test cricketer.

Is he test class or is he not test class?

As well as a different era Tiger played a lot of his cricket with one eye lets not forget That mightve had a small bearing on his avge no ?

 

[JibranAnsari]

He is mediocre , his career never peaked. Just when jhis place is in danger, he scores some runs to save his place.

 

[TeymurBlake]

He's not mentally strong batsman. This series should finish the careers of Asad Shafiq and Azhar Ali.

 

[shamaan]

He's not mentally strong batsman. This series should finish the careers of Asad Shafiq and Azhar Ali.

Hopefully Pakistan win the series and these 2 are dropped and the likes of usman salahuddin,Osama bin yousuf ect be given a chance

 

[Saj]

Somebody who has been around for as long as he has, he should be winning matches for Pakistan on a regular basis.

Crumbles, hides and bottles it too often.

 

[GreenKhan]

Asad Shafiq is a very frustrating case . His career average has always been between 38-42 which basically means he is doing enough to stay in the team without really becoming the player he should have considering the amount of consecutive matches he has played .

I don’t think their will be many teams who will drop a batsman who averages close to 40. I just don’t see it happening. But I can understand the frustration as he has not really stepped up to the next level .

I do believe he can handle pressure. It will be harsh to say he can’t . But he is just not consistent enough.

 

[RazaBadmash]

Asad Shafiq has proven time and again he’s not a pressure player. Tell me the last decade when did he contribute to a big win or when Pakistan was down he stepped up and played a winning. Selectors need to focus on batting and giving someone else a shot at #5. 1 century in 2018 and 1 century in 2017 and 2 centuries in 2016. Time to rethink Misbah!

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Can't believe Misbah and co invested this many years in Asad and Azhar.

They ignored the likes of Fawad Alam, Umar Amin, Usman Salahuddin for these guys.

 

[Sunny_majoka]

Can't believe Asad and Azhar played so long for pak.

 

[Plumb]

Don’t worry he ll score a losing 80 in last test last innings and ll remain in playing 11 for next series

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Been saying it for 10 years

Asad’s entire career has been doing nothing but scoring a ton in a loosing cause every few games


A very nice guy, but an utter waste of an investment

 

[TeamPak95]

I mean, I don’t really disagree with you here but then what if Asad pulls a Shan Masood-type innings in the second innings?

 

[Suleiman]

Can’t believe it’s been 10 years with this waste of a batsman, being paraded as golden boy and the next Asian Bradman from 2010-2015, and then a “reliable and experienced” player from 2015-2020. Selfish player or spineless- hard to tell tbh, pads his average when there is no pressure and Pakistan losing on day 5 is guaranteed- only then will he score.

Why is he still playing- no idea. Imran Farhat type of current times.

But the myth of his glorious technique has been shattered to pieces.

 

[Snowflake]

Long established fact. He just doesn't have the character and personality to be a great athlete. He's got the skills but that's it. Way too timid. Hint of pressure and he crumbles.

Can't really fault him. This is not something he can change. Tough case for Pak though. Hard to drop but equally hard to keep.

 

[angrypathan]

I mean, I don’t really disagree with you here but then what if Asad pulls a Shan Masood-type innings in the second innings?

Pretty large sample size of 70 odd tests says that it's very unlikely, but if he does then good.

 

[IAJ]

He is not a test class batsman. He is a avg player.

Lol, our team is full of average players, we don't have many options. Would have loved to have Haris Sohail there.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

I don't like kicking people when they are down but Asad has never really lived up to his name. He has always looked a timid batsman and even if he scores, the runs do not look authoratative. It didn't work for Stokes today but he was standing a meter outside the crease, something that you'd never see from Asad.

Another thing that I hate it that he cannot be dropped because the moment he's dropped, there will be a vicious media campaign regarding Sindh, Punjab etc. Really hope that there's more than one good innings left in him on this tour otherwise he'll cost us the series along with his captain.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

He is pakistan's version of rahane.Both of them haven't played a significant role in an important test series since 2015-16 but they still are amongst the first name on the team sheet.

 

[Ab Fan]

He is pakistan's version of rahane.Both of them haven't played a significant role in an important test series since 2015-16 but they still are amongst the first name on the team sheet.

Rahane is a rich man's Asad Shafiq.

 

[Grunge101]

Asad is simply not good enough and that is a fact. Hes been living by that odd half century once every 5 or 6 innings and that is simply not going to cut it.

The amount of oppurtunities given to him couldve been utilized on much better prospects from domestic cricket eg Fawad and you wouldve gotten very decent players out of them.

 

[ElRaja]

He is pakistan's version of rahane.Both of them haven't played a significant role in an important test series since 2015-16 but they still are amongst the first name on the team sheet.

rahane has a good record away for india, shafiq averages 20 something outside asia. rahane is a good player who has problems with consistency, shafiq is a consistently a passenger in the batting order.

 

[90MPH]

He’s a good batsman but nothing more than that.

He hasn’t taken his game to the next level. He should bat at number 6 when the ball is older as he is too loose outside the off stump when the ball is harder.

 

[Markhor]

Feel sorry for the guys who've sat out for him these past ten years despite performing better in domestic cricket.

Shafiq's constant selection despite his inconsistency is the epitome of favouritism.

 

[Pakhs]

Both Azhar and Shafiq have failed miserably to step up to senior roles since MissYo retirement. Both have been shouting out loud that they cant take pressure of a senior player.

 

[Firebat]

Asad Shafiq at the crease at 48/3, with Shan and Babar back in the dressing room. Under pressure to produce now.

 

[srh]

already dropped, lets see if he take advantage of it

 

[Kianig89]

10 years wasted on him still looks as he is playing his 1st test its 5th or 6th time he is touring Eng needs an innings of substance

 

[MenInG]

Unfair on Asad - he seemed to be doing well but run out.

 

[Bhaijaan]

He is a 4th inning specialist. Was playing a good rescue knock. Always sad to.see run outs like these.

Definitely deserves to play 2nd test

 

[Major]

He did well, was just unlucky.
Hopefully should play the next match. wouldnt drop him just yet

 

[Slog]

He should be dropped now but between 2010 and 2015-16 he walked into the side.

People who think Umar Akmal would have bettered his output are frankly stupid and do not understand cricket.

You can argue that maybe fawad alam would have been better bet though

 

[Saj]

Rizwan sold him down the river today.

But why run. Just shout No!

 

[Varun]

I'm struggling to think of another batsman like him in any other team.

Certainly nobody who has got a free ride for 10+ years.

Somebody up top mentioned Ian Bell - he was light years ahead of Shafiq.

 

[Local.Dada]

I'm struggling to think of another batsman like him in any other team.

Certainly nobody who has got a free ride for 10+ years.

Somebody up top mentioned Ian Bell - he was light years ahead of Shafiq.

Ajinkya “I want to play T20” Rahane

 

[srh]

easy way for him, get run out so dont get blame of Pakistan's 2nd inning fiasco

 

[Zaz]

Unfair on Asad - he seemed to be doing well but run out.

You make you own luck

He shouldve said no The problem with shafiq is whether this runout or just batting in general he never stamps his authority on the game Just never gives any confidence like someone whos played for 10 years should

 

[ElRaja]

I'm struggling to think of another batsman like him in any other team.

Certainly nobody who has got a free ride for 10+ years.

Somebody up top mentioned Ian Bell - he was light years ahead of Shafiq.

closest i can come to asad is mark butcher, very average player who managed to play 70 odd tests pretty much without getting dropped.

notable mentions include marlon samuels, and arguably carl hooper altho hooper was a more than useful off spinner too.

 

[Plumb]

I got no sympathy for him.. he will avg 10 this series and yet still be there in next series

 

[Kroll]

I got no sympathy for him.. he will avg 10 this series and yet still be there in next series

Misbah likes these oldies, performance does not matter.

 

[Grunge101]

More than 10 years of experience and the guy still averages below 40..how much more time does one need.
Only in Pakistan will u see such malarkey. Guys with first class averages of over 50 sitting out of the side while we keep playing these vain, tried and tested failures.

 

[King-Misbah]

I got no sympathy for him.. he will avg 10 this series and yet still be there in next series

He will hit a useless score which will save him from getting dropped. Getting run out in a test match is inexcusable but Mr Asad rather sit in the dressing room then bat under some pressure.

 

[Caved12]

Pakistan management understand what is going on with Asad Shafiq and by 2023, they will make a decision to drop him for good. The process is very slow and they think a lot before making a final call. We are not from Planet earth and we do things very differently from the rest of the world. Misbah just said the other day that Azhar Ali will play an important innings, but never mentioned as to when would that be. He actually meant one good innings per series. I have been following Pakistan cricket for a long time now and I understand these things better than you all Both Azhar and Asad will stay with this team for another 5 to 10 years

 

[Ilan Bluestone]

Asad Shafiq cannot handle no pressure either.

 

[Chokli]

Can't believe Misbah and co invested this many years in Asad and Azhar.

They ignored the likes of Fawad Alam, Umar Amin, Usman Salahuddin for these guys.

Oh God, please don't mention Umar Amin ever again.

He is a failure. I've been hearing his name since 2008 and he's always failed to impress.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Oh God, please don't mention Umar Amin ever again.

He is a failure. I've been hearing his name since 2008 and he's always failed to impress.

That's what people also said about Shaan Masood. Not a big fan of U. Amin, but he is one of those who could have had a longer run. From the list Fawad Alam was the most deserving.

 

[King_Kohli]

Asad Shafiq is good batsman, he is the second best after Babar.
His run out was unfortunate, he will comeback.

 

[Chokli]

That's what people also said about Shaan Masood. Not a big fan of U. Amin, but he is one of those who could have had a longer run. From the list Fawad Alam was the most deserving.

He would have had a longer run if he showed even a glimpse of potential when he represented Pakistan.

34 International matches for Pakistan across 3 formats and the only thing I recall him doing was a 40 odd against West Indies and 3 sixes in a row vs New Zealand in a T20.

He averages 39 in First Class cricket, no way was he going to survive in International Cricket.

Fawad Alam I agree with.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

He would have had a longer run if he showed even a glimpse of potential when he represented Pakistan.

34 International matches for Pakistan across 3 formats and the only thing I recall him doing was a 40 odd against West Indies and 3 sixes in a row vs New Zealand in a T20.

He averages 39 in First Class cricket, no way was he going to survive in International Cricket.

Fawad Alam I agree with.

Just like Shan Masood Umar Amin had a few better QeA season's as well before last year. But yea its difficult to judge a Pakistani batsman considering our domestic system.

But my point was that we could have invested in someone like Fawad or some other 50+ averaging guy in our system. Asad doesn't even average 40 in his own domestic set up.

 

[Chokli]

Just like Shan Masood Umar Amin had a few better QeA season's as well before last year. But yea its difficult to judge a Pakistani batsman considering our domestic system.

But my point was that we could have invested in someone like Fawad or some other 50+ averaging guy in our system. Asad doesn't even average 40 in his own domestic set up.

I agree, Fawad should have never have been dropped.

I will never understand why he was ever dropped from the Test side.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

I hope this is the last match of his career.

 

[Saj]

Asad Shafiq cannot handle no pressure either.

He can handle it, but very rarely.

Mentally so weak, looks like a walking wicket.

Such a ridiculous dismissal today.

 

[Wreck_It_Rauf]

They really should not feel the pressure. Nothing will change as Misbah has intentionally filled the squad with bowlers so the mainstay batsmen know they are indispensable. It's a shame to see no upcoming youngster is being groomed bar Haider and no one specifically for test cricket. It was an ideal opportunity to take another young batsman along to groom. You see Younis scribbling in his book all day but some of these guys are beyond help.

 

[Matty]

His stats are so average

75 matches with an average of 38

He is yet to reach 5000 test runs. Yikes

There must be some non cricketing reasons to explain his selection in the side me thinks

 

[coy0607]

Pressure isn't just a Asad Shafiq problem. Literally no one in the Pakistani team can handle pressure. Not Babar, not Shan, or anyone else. Younis was the last batsmen who managed it well.

No other team falls from positions of strength to losses as often as Pakistan. Its extremely rare for Pakistan to dominate a match from start to finish against strong oppositions.