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Is Asad Shafiq walking on thin ice?

Square Drive

Test Star
Joined
Aug 30, 2011
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37,660
So-called 'technically-sound' player, with people suggesting that he will be our best batsman outside Asia etc.

He is a total flop and really is incapable in pressure situations.

Plus, we really do need an all-rounder. Even with the current squad, I'd even play freaking Nawaz in Australia, because 4 bowlers simply isn't enough - especially if you have Sohail "huffing puffing" Khan as one of them. Our bowlers really start to look toothless in a 4-man attack, and a 5th bowler is an absolute MUST.

So to make way for the 5th bowler, one of Shafiq/Babar will have to go (considering saint Younis is undroppable at least for now), and after Babar's knock in the last Test, dropping him would be criminal.

All in all, Shafiq should get the chop (though he should still remain in the squad).

Thoughts?
 
No

For some stupid reason, he's the golden boy for Pakistan, we've seen that by seeing how many chances he has had in the odi format

He should be at 3/4 not 6
But we will keep him protected up there
 
he needs to be dropped

problem is he and azhar know that they are almost certain to play for next 5 years as Misbah and YK retire.
 
he needs to be dropped

problem is he and azhar know that they are almost certain to play for next 5 years as Misbah and YK retire.

Never thought I'd see the day when Slog would recommend the dropping of Shafiq. Wow
 
Shafiq should be given a tap on the wrists. He and Azhar have begun to take their places for granted (along with Sarfaraz).

They need to be told that once the Australia tour is done and we eventually get mauled they either have to show excellent performance or be blown away in the wave of accountability that will follow the Australia tour.
 
Give him the warm-ups and the D/N test as well. We won't need four bowlers in the first test and that match will tell us if we need to make wholesale changes to our team or not.

Very disappointing from him after performing admirably over the last five years, in a variety of conditions.
 
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he needs to be dropped

problem is he and azhar know that they are almost certain to play for next 5 years as Misbah and YK retire.

You don't have to take that extreme position yet. Calm down. :baelish

I'd give him the AUS tour as well - if he can't *dominate* that series, I think his time is up and domestics is the way forward.

Keep in mind that after the AUS tour, we'll be playing in the desert/WI/Asia for years again. He'll crank up those stats again and deceive when we're overseas.
 
Shafiq's record outside Asia is highly disappointing, averaging below 30. There has been a few occasions where he's scored tough runs (Cape Town 2013, the 1st and 2nd innings at Lord's) yet there's many times where he's failed to produce in a clutch situation.

Worrying given Azhar and Shafiq are meant to fill the void left by Younis and Misbah soon.
 
You don't have to take that extreme position yet. Calm down. :baelish

I'd give him the AUS tour as well - if he can't *dominate* that series, I think his time is up and domestics is the way forward.

Keep in mind that after the AUS tour, we'll be playing in the desert/WI/Asia for years again. He'll crank up those stats again and deceive when we're overseas.

whats our schedule like after WI tour?

if im not wrong we have an englan test tour in 2018. and im sure SA tour must be around the corner too as its been ages since we were there
 
ive never been a fan of his, not because i think hes bad, but i think hes not that good and there are players who have done better that he has kept out. so i think some of the comments here are a bit harsh - hes still averaging 40s in tests, although thats been in the mid 30s in the past 12 months.

hes a solid b+ player, nothing less nothing more.

however, what i really want to know is where the big mouthed advocates of 'technique' have crawled into. he has proved handily this year that most people, including the professionals, have absolutely no idea what technique is, and/or it has no bearing on run production - which at the end of the day is all that matters.

where are they??
 
You don't have to take that extreme position yet. Calm down. :baelish

I'd give him the AUS tour as well - if he can't *dominate* that series, I think his time is up and domestics is the way forward.

Keep in mind that after the AUS tour, we'll be playing in the desert/WI/Asia for years again. He'll crank up those stats again and deceive when we're overseas.

Why not keep him then when he's a pretty good player in Asia? India have no problems keeping Pujara around.
 
whats our schedule like after WI tour?

if im not wrong we have an englan test tour in 2018. and im sure SA tour must be around the corner too as its been ages since we were there

After WI, it's Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India (won't happen), and... finally in May 2018, 2 Tests in England. Then 2 Tests against ZIM in Aug 18.


:usman

Away SA is in Dec 2018.
 
Why not keep him then when he's a pretty good player in Asia? India have no problems keeping Pujara around.

I think we can have better and dominant players if we were to only target Asia.

He can't play authoritatively in Asia either.
 
Nawaz has no business playing in Australia and this is coming from someone who likes him.

On Asad he should get the Australia tour, if he has a horror tour he should be dropped. But he's found a way to bounce back before.

The return of Harris and others like Rizwan,Amin,Saud could put him under pressure.
 
Asad shafiq is ok...his place or anyones from Babar onwards would become under scrutiny if we opt for a 5th bowler...
As we havent identified a seaming all rounder yet (looks a long way off as the management dont even have the foresight to try one in odis, T20 or the recent A tour), it looks like Nawaz waiting in the wings and thats about it.
 
The problem, like with Ian Bell, is his mental frailty.

He is going to frustrate us forever, but I don't think there is a less flawed alternative.
 
Contrary to popular opinion, this is actually the worst time for him to be flopping and high chance of him being culled.

We all know, Fawad has been the best performer domestically and deserves a go, plus Usman Salahuddin has finally found his feet in departmental cricket, whilst Haris is also making a good recovery and he could be ready is well.

Those 3 have the most solid FC record and the only 3 with an FC average of/close to 50, in addition Kamran is in the form of his life and consistently churning out the runs for 3 seasons in a row, hence he himself can make the team as a pure batsman.

Let's be honest, shafiq averaged 38, but he got into the team because of his technique and they thought he would be another Yousuf in the making, who also averaged 40 or below in FC and managed to find success internationally, but it doesn't work like that and he was an exception.

This can so easily be the top 6, after Younis and Misbah leave:
1. Sami
2. Azhar
3. Azam
4. Fawad
5. Salahuddin/Haris
6. Haris/Kamran

That looks very strong.
 
Expect him to come good in Australia. These conditions required grit that this mental midget doesn't have.
 
I think we can have better and dominant players if we were to only target Asia.

He can't play authoritatively in Asia either.

We tried a few, 'member? Doger, Latif, Fawad, Akmal, etc were all not cut out for test cricket
 
This can so easily be the top 6, after Younis and Misbah leave:
1. Sami
2. Azhar
3. Azam
4. Fawad
5. Salahuddin/Haris
6. Haris/Kamran

That looks very strong.

The players you mentioned are no better than Asad.

Asad is not a world class player , but Pakistan does not have any world class batsman in the domestic circuit . We need to get out of this illusion. Asad , and others will not perform outside subcontinent that well. Even look at record of younis khan and Youhana and Inzamam outside sub continent.
 
He lacks mental strength, that much is true and that is where Azhar has him beat.

When he goes in a slump he really goes into his shell and you see a string of ducks. Idk if we have a tour game in Aus, but even if we don't what will be the point of playing someone new in Australia who if fails will be dumped again and Asad or another player in his 30s will be brought back in.

I think it's too late to back out now and need to give him the first 2 tests in Aus before we think about bringing in Kami or Usman Salahuddin or even Umar Amin as replacements.

His problems with the short ball are kind of worrying but he has a killer cut shot only second to Kam.
 
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What really sucks is that this guy is going into a bit of a dip right when Misbah and Yon are about to retire. This is THE time where he really should've put his hand up and delivered.

Still will give him Aus tour before any final verdicts.
 
Why not keep him then when he's a pretty good player in Asia? India have no problems keeping Pujara around.

Pujara in Asia is a league above Asad in Asia. Pujara was averaging in the late 50s and early 60s in 2012-2013 IIRC, got exposed overseas and now once again he is dominating in Asia. Asad hasn't dominated like Pujara has in Asia. Unlike Pujara he struggles to go big.

Was really hoping that ton at the Oval was going to be his way of announcing himself as a world class #3 batsman for the next 5-6 years but he followed it with some anti-climactic performances.
 
Literally the most timid and overrated batsman in recent times. I never got the hype with this guy. Playing nonstop for 6 years in the test team, he should be one of our key batsmen in these tough away series but this guy still bats like he is playing his debut match. We are literally screwed once the best batsman in the team Misbah retires.
 
Pujara in Asia is a league above Asad in Asia. Pujara was averaging in the late 50s and early 60s in 2012-2013 IIRC, got exposed overseas and now once again he is dominating in Asia. Asad hasn't dominated like Pujara has in Asia. Unlike Pujara he struggles to go big.

Was really hoping that ton at the Oval was going to be his way of announcing himself as a world class #3 batsman for the next 5-6 years but he followed it with some anti-climactic performances.

Pujara is more compact than Asad , also he is fitter , he usually scores big.
 
Literally the most timid and overrated batsman in recent times. I never got the hype with this guy. Playing nonstop for 6 years in the test team, he should be one of our key batsmen in these tough away series but this guy still bats like he is playing his debut match. We are literally screwed once the best batsman in the team Misbah retires.

If after six years he cannot cement his position , I wonder what is the selectors doing.
 
If after six years he cannot cement his position , I wonder what is the selectors doing.

Like everyone said, he is the golden boy of Pakistan cricket probably because he has a nice cover drive. Look at how many ODIs he has played when it should have been obvious that he was never cut for LOIs. Inzi should make it clear to him that if he doesn't perform in the next series then his place in the test team could be in danger.
 
i think his number switch has worked for him. and he got warrant to stay in the team.

but i believe he will come good from aus tour. only problen for him will be un dipper from josh hazz
 
Why people even think Misbah and Younis are about to retire. According to report They will play at least 2 years if not more before decide to retire
 
Shafiq doesn't look to be able to take the mantle at 3/4. At 6 he is protected, but 3-4 you are relied upon to be the staple. He has a small sample size at 3/4 with about a 39-40 average, which is decent, but still low for your 3-4 man.

I have a fear that with no protection above him, he will not be able to be the focal point of a batting lineup in tests.
 
You don't have to take that extreme position yet. Calm down. :baelish

I'd give him the AUS tour as well - if he can't *dominate* that series, I think his time is up and domestics is the way forward.

Keep in mind that after the AUS tour, we'll be playing in the desert/WI/Asia for years again. He'll crank up those stats again and deceive when we're overseas.

How many runs would Shafiq need to score to have a "good" tour?

In a 4 match series - I would say 300 runs would be a good benchmark.
 
Contrary to popular opinion, this is actually the worst time for him to be flopping and high chance of him being culled.

We all know, Fawad has been the best performer domestically and deserves a go, plus Usman Salahuddin has finally found his feet in departmental cricket, whilst Haris is also making a good recovery and he could be ready is well.

Those 3 have the most solid FC record and the only 3 with an FC average of/close to 50, in addition Kamran is in the form of his life and consistently churning out the runs for 3 seasons in a row, hence he himself can make the team as a pure batsman.

Let's be honest, shafiq averaged 38, but he got into the team because of his technique and they thought he would be another Yousuf in the making, who also averaged 40 or below in FC and managed to find success internationally, but it doesn't work like that and he was an exception.

This can so easily be the top 6, after Younis and Misbah leave:
1. Sami
2. Azhar
3. Azam
4. Fawad
5. Salahuddin/Haris
6. Haris/Kamran

That looks very strong.

Kamran failed miserably in the PSL.

Other than that I agree it's a solid top 6. Only issue with me is that we need a 5th bowling option hence we need and all-rounder. Other than that the top 6 is very solid.

Just wanted to mention Babar averages 40 in FC too and he played great in this test, and is a great prospect, just got out in the second innings trying to hit.
 
The players you mentioned are no better than Asad.

Asad is not a world class player , but Pakistan does not have any world class batsman in the domestic circuit . We need to get out of this illusion. Asad , and others will not perform outside subcontinent that well. Even look at record of younis khan and Youhana and Inzamam outside sub continent.

But Babar Azam played really well, and also batted well in the ODI's earlier this year in NZ. Had a decent Eng tour but will get better as he plays more cricket, his temperament is already improved since England.

Younis Khan Test Average outside Asia (Barring Zimbabwe) - 40

Mohammad Yosuf Test Average outside Asia (Barring Zimbabwe) - 44

Inzamam Test Average outside Asia (Barring Zimbabwe) - 43

Miandad Test Average outside Asia (Barring Zimbabwe) - 47

I just checked all of those people record Those are some great numbers for Asians outside of the subcontinent and not including Zimbabwe either. not just for Asians, but those would be great numbers for non-Asians in Asia.
 
How many runs would Shafiq need to score to have a "good" tour?

In a 4 match series - I would say 300 runs would be a good benchmark.

The Australia tour is a 3-match series. So I would say around 275 Runs would be the amount I would require for him to stay in the side.

But still the problem I have with him is he can't score big daddy hundreds. Therefore even if he performs well in this series he should be kept to number 6.
 
Pujara in Asia is a league above Asad in Asia. Pujara was averaging in the late 50s and early 60s in 2012-2013 IIRC, got exposed overseas and now once again he is dominating in Asia. Asad hasn't dominated like Pujara has in Asia. Unlike Pujara he struggles to go big.

Was really hoping that ton at the Oval was going to be his way of announcing himself as a world class #3 batsman for the next 5-6 years but he followed it with some anti-climactic performances.

He's a #6 so can't expect him to get those doubles when he's batting with the tail very often. I'm sure Asad can continue averaging 50 in Asia and that is good enough, given he doesn't completely fail in Australia.

With Misbah and Younis leaving, we need to have Azhar and Shafiq around to guide guys like Sami, Babar and whoever else is picked.
 
The Australia tour is a 3-match series. So I would say around 275 Runs would be the amount I would require for him to stay in the side.

But still the problem I have with him is he can't score big daddy hundreds. Therefore even if he performs well in this series he should be kept to number 6.

275 is a very specific number. Quite unfair to expect him to average nearly 50 down under on his first tour there. I'd say an average of 40-43 would be a successful tour for Shafiq.
 
This was Asad's worst series since 2013 when Sri Lanka toured the UAE.

His series averages since then:

39.25 in Sri Lanka
55 in the UAE vs Australia
77.66 in the UAE vs New Zealand
68.33 in Bangladesh
43.75 in Sri Lanka
54.33 in the UAE vs England
39.14 in England
39.60 in the UAE vs West Indies

The series which just finished against New Zealand it was 14. He was due a failure, Law of averages as they say. Bar the UAE series against West Indies where he batted at 3. If you know your Cricket, The averages he has at 6 are very good. He is one of the best at 6 in the history of the game. That's not a joke, Especially for a Pakistani.
 
275 is a very specific number. Quite unfair to expect him to average nearly 50 down under on his first tour there. I'd say an average of 40-43 would be a successful tour for Shafiq.

No I meant around 275 so anything above 250.

An average of 40 runs per innings is good which would be 240 runs (if he bats in all 6 innings), but an average of 40 inflated with not outs isn't.

I think the minimum for him to stay in the team should be an average of 40 runs per innings.
 
This was Asad's worst series since 2013 when Sri Lanka toured the UAE.

His series averages since then:

39.25 in Sri Lanka
55 in the UAE vs Australia
77.66 in the UAE vs New Zealand
68.33 in Bangladesh
43.75 in Sri Lanka
54.33 in the UAE vs England
39.14 in England
39.60 in the UAE vs West Indies

The series which just finished against New Zealand it was 14. He was due a failure, Law of averages as they say. Bar the UAE series against West Indies where he batted at 3. If you know your Cricket, The averages he has at 6 are very good. He is one of the best at 6 in the history of the game. That's not a joke, Especially for a Pakistani.

His average is not the big problem, the big problem for me is when he gets set he throws it away, and he can't score daddy hundreds (those are essentially the ones that when test matches), like YK or Azhar.

(Oh no it's 12 AM I gotta get to sleep!)
 
He is considered most technically solid because his shots are good looking. Most people confuse that with being technically solid.
 
we are overlooking players who average 50+ in F/C only to play batsmen considered 'technically' correct but these batsmen have not much to show for as far as their domestic batting averages are concerned.

We can have a much better performing team if the selection process were more objective and data-driven.
 
Contrary to popular opinion, this is actually the worst time for him to be flopping and high chance of him being culled.

We all know, Fawad has been the best performer domestically and deserves a go, plus Usman Salahuddin has finally found his feet in departmental cricket, whilst Haris is also making a good recovery and he could be ready is well.

Those 3 have the most solid FC record and the only 3 with an FC average of/close to 50, in addition Kamran is in the form of his life and consistently churning out the runs for 3 seasons in a row, hence he himself can make the team as a pure batsman.

Let's be honest, shafiq averaged 38, but he got into the team because of his technique and they thought he would be another Yousuf in the making, who also averaged 40 or below in FC and managed to find success internationally, but it doesn't work like that and he was an exception.

This can so easily be the top 6, after Younis and Misbah leave:
1. Sami
2. Azhar
3. Azam
4. Fawad
5. Salahuddin/Haris
6. Haris/Kamran

That looks very strong.

Fawad is a non entity.

An embarrassment of a player.
 
The players you mentioned are no better than Asad.

Asad is not a world class player , but Pakistan does not have any world class batsman in the domestic circuit . We need to get out of this illusion. Asad , and others will not perform outside subcontinent that well. Even look at record of younis khan and Youhana and Inzamam outside sub continent.

All 3 of fawad, Haris and Salahuddin average way more than shafiq's 38 and have been the best performers domestically.

As for Kamran, he has been beastly for 3 seasons and is most likely averaging around 50 or even more in that period.

Lastly, I can't recall the likes of Younis, Inzi or Yousuf averaging 26 outside Asia, in fact they are in the 40's and that is way more than shafiq's.

Kamran failed miserably in the PSL.

Other than that I agree it's a solid top 6. Only issue with me is that we need a 5th bowling option hence we need and all-rounder. Other than that the top 6 is very solid.

Just wanted to mention Babar averages 40 in FC too and he played great in this test, and is a great prospect, just got out in the second innings trying to hit.

He did fail in the PSL, but you can't judge him or anyone based on their T20 performances for Test selection, otherwise Younis would have been dropped a long time ago because he was a huge failure in ODI's.

Yeah, I'm aware of Babar averaging 41 and personally, I wanted him to play for another season, but he has been drafted into the team quickly and has done well, so you have to play him and give him a fair run for doing well.

Fawad is a non entity.

An embarrassment of a player.

Yeah, then what does that make the others, who are well below him (pretty much everyone)?

I don't know if you realised, but no one is topping the FC charts like Fawad and his average is way above the rest.
 
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All 3 of fawad, Haris and Salahuddin average way more than shafiq's 38 and have been the best performers domestically.

As for Kamran, he has been beastly for 3 seasons and is most likely averaging around 50 or even more in that period.

Lastly, I can't recall the likes of Younis, Inzi or Yousuf averaging 26 outside Asia, in fact they are in the 40's and that is way more than shafiq's.



He did fail in the PSL, but you can't judge him or anyone based on their T20 performances for Test selection, otherwise Younis would have been dropped a long time ago because he was a huge failure in ODI's.

Yeah, I'm aware of Babar averaging 41 and personally, I wanted him to play for another season, but he has been drafted into the team quickly and has done well, so you have to play him and give him a fair run for doing well.



Yeah, then what does that make the others, who are well below him (pretty much everyone)?

I don't know if you realised, but no one is topping the FC charts like Fawad and his average is way above the rest.

Can't hit off the square. Don't care about his average. He is the most mediocre player to ever represent Pakistan.
 
Five ducks in the last seven tests is certainly no laughing matter:
 
How do people expect Asad to score daddy hundreds when he bats at no.6? He'll most likely bat with 1 batsman in the top/middle order and that's it if they go, The tail comes in. In the history of test match cricket there's only been 10 double hundreds with a player batting at 6 and 17 with 150+
 
Do you think he should be dropped?

He scored only 4 fewer runs in New Zealand than Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq combined together.

I do think that Asad Shafiq is underperforming, but he would be third on my list for the axe, with Younis to be sacked first, Misbah to be sacked second and Asad Shafiq third.

When all three are failing, who in their right mind gets rid of the 30 year old and keeps the two 43 year olds? It's practically the definition of insanity.
 
He scored only 4 fewer runs in New Zealand than Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq combined together.

I do think that Asad Shafiq is underperforming, but he would be third on my list for the axe, with Younis to be sacked first, Misbah to be sacked second and Asad Shafiq third.

When all three are failing, who in their right mind gets rid of the 30 year old and keeps the two 43 year olds? It's practically the definition of insanity.

What number is shafiq on your list for the axe now? and what about younis after his 50 :yk2 the same younis whom was supposed to be replaced by babar in England and has now scored more runs then him in this game :yk
 
Few threads will be bumped and haunt the OP of those thread.
 
He has the heart of a squirrel or a chicken or maybe a sparrow. People were right about him.
 
was it ghost scoring a 50 last match?

A 50 followed by 3 straight flops (including a bad shot when we needed to save the MCG Test) still looks pretty bad.

I like the guy but he's far too inconsistent.
 
Mental midget but still has had a decent tour. Certainly can't drop him now with Misbah and Younis near retirement.
 
A 50 followed by 3 straight flops (including a bad shot when we needed to save the MCG Test) still looks pretty bad.

I like the guy but he's far too inconsistent.
It's hard to bat at 6. People don't realize this. Mainly fast strike rate batsmen are there. Not genuine batsmen like Shafiq. It would be much easier coming in at 140/3 than 160/4. Even then, Shafiq has done pretty well in this series. When your #1, 3 and 5 haven't given a single decent performance, then that's you blame for losing the series.
 
It's hard to bat at 6. People don't realize this. Mainly fast strike rate batsmen are there. Not genuine batsmen like Shafiq. It would be much easier coming in at 140/3 than 160/4. Even then, Shafiq has done pretty well in this series. When your #1, 3 and 5 haven't given a single decent performance, then that's you blame for losing the series.

His chance will come above #6 in due course, but I honestly don't see his consistency improving.

Definitely hope he proves me wrong.
 
Averaged 40+ in England and Australia. A good player. Really needs to have a breakout series though and establish himself as a world class batsman.
 
Shafiq is not ever going to be a reliable batsman imo. He's already shown that.

He's never going to be a YK, Yousuf, or Inzi for Pak or anywhere close. He will always be hit or miss.

And he's simply terrible at ODIs - which may not matter for tests but shows his temperament and confidence issues compared to our other greats, who were all ok (like YK) to excellent (like Inzi, Moyo, Miandad) at ODIs. Apart from Shafiq, I've never seen a good Pak test batsman who was so incompetent at ODI cricket.
 
Its very hard to Bat at Number 6. Shafiq needs to be given a Top Order position and kept there.
 
He should bat at 4 or 5. 6 is too low and you can't make big hundreds at 6 but Asad is poorly inconsistent
 
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