Is it time to drop Asad Shafiq from the Test side?

[Abdullah719]

Popular topic at the moment so let's get to it!

His output is still pretty much the same as it was when he started.

Very little improvement. He has a few typical ways of getting out. Playing one across the line and out LBW/caught. Prodding at one outside off and nicking off.

Still looks very unsure of himself when he comes to the crease.

His biggest problem is inconsistency. One good innings followed by several low scores.

Should he be given a break?

In my opinion, with Misbah and Younis retiring, he will stay on as we can't revamp our whole batting order. But Asad sure is making it difficult.

 

[Hawkeye]

Bring in the poll, [MENTION=133760]Abdullah719[/MENTION] .

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Can't hide behind Misbah and Younis anymore. He will be dropped soon.

 

[srh]

I would not drop him now when Misbah and YK are leaving. But next test series is crucial for him as Misbah will not be here to support him and Mickey will easily override Sarfraz as captain.

 

[Abdullah719]

Bring in the poll, [MENTION=133760]Abdullah719[/MENTION] .

OK.

 

[Syed1]

Time for Salahuddin to debut in the next match.

 

[Mamoon]

Hopefully, but he is best friends with Sarfraz and the PCB honchos like him.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Popular topic at the moment so let's get to it!

His output is still pretty much the same as it was when he started.

Very little improvement. He has a few typical ways of getting out. Playing one across the line and out LBW/caught. Prodding at one outside off and nicking off.

Still looks very unsure of himself when he comes to the crease.

His biggest problem is inconsistency. One good innings followed by several low scores.

Should he be given a break?

In my opinion, with Misbah and Younis retiring, he will stay on as we can't revamp our whole batting order. But Asad sure is making it difficult.

Asad was problem for day 1. but for some strange reason Misbah and co. Persisted with him. When he gets some runs he is praised more than he deserves. Like against Australia just when winning was a real chance he got out.
I think Misbah unjustly favored him ahead of Fawad Alam.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

What a waste of 7 years

 

[Abdul]

If Mickey's golden boy Babar is also dropped, then sure. In that case I wouldn't mind Shafiq getting dropped.

 

[mhraja]

He should not be playing next Test atleast.

 

[Markhor]

Would try Salahuddin in the 3rd Test. Shafiq needs to get his head sorted, still has technical issues that should've been ironed out after 7 years of investment. His dismissals becoming predictable.

 

[Hawkeye]

If Mickey's golden boy Babar is also dropped, then sure. In that case I wouldn't mind Shafiq getting dropped.

Again a genius post!

First, comparing AB with Shafiq, now a noob young batsman Babar with a senior Shafiq!

Where's the logic? A senior who is wasting our team and making us lose on a consistent basis needs to be kicked out first. A youngster needs to be given chances.

 

[Abdul]

Again a genius post!

First, comparing AB with Shafiq, now a noob young batsman Babar with a senior Shafiq!

Where's the logic? A senior who is wasting our team and making us lose on a consistent basis needs to be kicked out first. A youngster needs to be given chances.

I was mocking Babar by calling him Baby de Villiers. Go read my post again.

 

[Hawkeye]

I was mocking Babar by calling him Baby de Villiers. Go read my post again.

OK, nice, you edited the post - but my point still stands. A youngster finding his feet cannot be compared with a senior who's been failing for a while now.

 

[ahmadharis1]

Shouldn't completely drop him altogether but they should debut Salahuddin at 6 for next match

 

[MRSN]

but but he is technically sound..

 

[Hawkeye]

but but he is technically sound..

So according to you now the whole team is FTB, except Hafeez. and Malik. and Umar.

 

[Abdullah719]

but but he is technically sound..

It's a myth.

 

[Kianig89]

Nope we've invested 7 years n 40 odd tests on him and with YK and Misbah gone his role has to be changed #No. 5

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Nope we've invested 7 years n 40 odd tests on him and with YK and Misbah gone his role has to be changed #No. 5

At this rate I'd rather go with professor, I'm dead serious. If we need an"senior" at least he can ball and bash most attacks on flat decks

Though as I said in the other thread , Asad will probably score a 100 next game and then do nothing for the next 5 , before scoring another 100

I thought he had a turned a corner after his ton at the oval, but it's been majorly disappointing

 

[JibranAnsari]

Yes drop babar and asad.

Babar is not ready yet.

Bring haris , fawad and amin against srilanka.

 

[Slog]

Drop him

 

[Saj]

I feel he's one of those batsmen who once he's in he just gets better and better but he's a very nervous starter and teams are getting onto that issue.

 

[MRSN]

So according to you now the whole team is FTB, except Hafeez. and Malik. and Umar.

you might have misread me lol some of my posts have been sarcastic in the last few days like Hafeez,Malik thread but I made it so people don't forget the quality of this side when they were going gaga over first test win.

Asad is rated by everyone sings songs about his technique but I don't see any use of this solid technique. Asad has been very very inconsistent and he is lucky to be in the team due to some brilliance of spinners. With time you have to become more consistent performer. There is nothing that suggests Asad will get any better.

 

[shah_1]

It's 100% guaranteed that Asad will not be dropped when Sarfraz becomes a captain. Buddy hai

His inability to score big after hundred shows his desire and determination to succeed. He is just happy to be in the team, shows no sign of improvement.

Such a disappointment

 

[Finisher]

Shafiq Came in at 316-4 to score 15 runs of 66 balls, with four free runs added from overthrow's. Totally a waste of time him even coming out to bat. It would have been Better if he had stayed in the changing rooms and got timed out.

Just a shame Misbah and Younis Khan are on the verge of retiring otherwise he deserved a long run out of the team.

Experience will save him.

 

[Hasan123]

I think he may need to be dropped. I am a fan but he can't keep getting away with low scores.

 

[idrizzy]

At this rate I'd rather go with professor, I'm dead serious. If we need an"senior" at least he can ball and bash most attacks on flat decks

Though as I said in the other thread , Asad will probably score a 100 next game and then do nothing for the next 5 , before scoring another 100

I thought he had a turned a corner after his ton at the oval, but it's been majorly disappointing

You and me both. Century at Oval, century vs Aus. But that's what he brings - one big score in a series. Is that good enough as a #6? You decide.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

No. 7 years investment. No Joke.

 

[Barragan]

His Test average is at 40 now and slowly catching up to his FC average of 38.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

No. 7 years investment. No Joke.

Enough time wasted.

 

[Muhammad10]

Absolutely. It's time to accept that we made a poor investment and move on to someone who deserves it.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

G bhai. We have better players.
Actually , time was right in 2012 to drop Shafiq and replace him with Haris. But kher dair he aye, aye to sahi.

 

[Slog]

Absolutely. It's time to accept that we made a poor investment and move on to someone who deserves it.

Who are the options

The great hope (Babar) who is deemed better than everyone in domestics isn't covering himself in glory either

Whoever we pick is likely to be a limited player.

Said Shakeel maybe

 

[zains_rulez]

Still better than akmal

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Who are the options

The great hope (Babar) who is deemed better than everyone in domestics isn't covering himself in glory either

Whoever we pick is likely to be a limited player.

Said Shakeel maybe

Haris, not Babar, is the best in domestics when it comes to 4 day cricket. He actually scored on difficult pitches and overcast conditions. PTV also televised a match. Should have replaced Asad in 2012 after 2 impressive domestic seasons and tbh when I see them both Haris is far superior player of Fast bowling and good against spin too as he doesn't have to score quick like odis.

 

[ads101]

no. He's not a bad batsman at all, people are overreacting. An average of 40 is respectable and he's performed in challenging conditions in the past.

However we should not cater for him at the expense of youngsters/new to the team. He is a senior and should be treated as such.

After YK and Misbah's retirement, move him up to 3 ideally or 4 lowest. I'd rather see Babar ease into test cricket at 6. I have faith that Asad will perform up the order if given a run. Needs to make the jump in responsibility that Azhar has shown.

 

[Muhammad10]

Who are the options

The great hope (Babar) who is deemed better than everyone in domestics isn't covering himself in glory either

Whoever we pick is likely to be a limited player.

Said Shakeel maybe

Here's my favoured line-up, which I posted in another thread:

Sami Aslam
Azhar Ali
Haris Sohail
Usman Salahuddin/Fawad Alam
Babar Azam (Should get a decent run at this spot until he develops his game enough to deserve a promotion, in shaa Allah)
Sarfraz Ahmed
Aamer Yamin
Mohammad Amir
Yasir Shah
Hasan Ali
Mohammad Abbas/Mohammad Asghar (Asghar if it's a turning pitch, while Abbas should be assessed after getting a decent run in the Test team)

Azhar, Haris, Babar (and Fawad if selected) can all contribute as part-timers.

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...unis-Khan-s-retirements&p=9226818#post9226818

 

[Muhammad10]

Haris, not Babar, is the best in domestics when it comes to 4 day cricket. He actually scored on difficult pitches and overcast conditions. PTV also televised a match. Should have replaced Asad in 2012 after 2 impressive domestic seasons and tbh when I see them both Haris is far superior player of Fast bowling and good against spin too as he doesn't have to score quick like odis.

In his short ODI career, his comfort against pace in particular always caught my eye. Seemed to have a lot of time to play every ball. Was also greatly impressed with how well he was playing Anderson's swing in a WC warm-up, while Younis was dancing around in grasshopper mode.

 

[Ami]

I love the optimism of some posters here...Haris hasnt played international cricket for 2 years.

Last int game v Zimbabwe 29 May 2015.

 

[Muhammad10]

We can give Shafiq a run in the top 4 before discarding him for good. At #6 though, he's too much of a liability due to his frequent ducks and random blockathons.

 

[ads101]

I love the optimism of some posters here...Haris hasnt played international cricket for 2 years.

Last int game v Zimbabwe 29 May 2015.

Honestly think it's a gamble, I don't know if he'll ever be back at his best with a long lay off.

If it doesn't work out, play Usman Salluhudin instead

 

[Abdullah719]

Honestly think it's a gamble, I don't know if he'll ever be back at his best with a long lay off.

If it doesn't work out, play Usman Salluhudin instead

Usman will probably be first in line considering he's the backup batsman in the current squad.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

In his short ODI career, his comfort against pace in particular always caught my eye. Seemed to have a lot of time to play every ball. Was also greatly impressed with how well he was playing Anderson's swing in a WC warm-up, while Younis was dancing around in grasshopper mode.

Yes exactly. Actually I haven't see him in much trouble against pace (swing, seam, express pace) ever. Sometimes saw him struggling against bouncers.
I have seen almost all televised matches of Haris. That is the biggest reason I like and rate him. Rare to see a Pak player so good against pace. His weakness (kind of) in t20s and odis comes in accelerating but not technical deficiencies especially against pace. And this is one reason I think he will be a better test player. Defense wise very solid and doesn't have to worry much about accelerating.

 

[Muhammad10]

Yes exactly. Actually I haven't see him in much trouble against pace (swing, seam, express pace) ever. Sometimes saw him struggling against bouncers.
I have seen almost all televised matches of Haris. That is the biggest reason I like and rate him. Rare to see a Pak player so good against pace. His weakness (kind of) in t20s and odis comes in accelerating but not technical deficiencies especially against pace. And this is one reason I think he will be a better test player. Defense wise very solid and doesn't have to worry much about accelerating.

He has always been better suited to the longer format if his domestic record is anything to go by.

 

[zulfiqar]

No, I think we need Asad Shafiq in the team. It's sad to see that he's not improving but he still has a knack of hitting hundreds and is a good player for the #6 position. He can't bat higher, even after YK/Misbah retire simply because he cannot handle the pressure up front. He's the kind of player though that should be able to make a team total of 350 into 450-500+. There are no good replacements, and his average of 40+ is alright for a #6 batsman. Plus, for a team that just dropped from Top 3 test rankings, chopping & changing makes no sense. Azhar Ali & Asad Shafiq should continue to appear for Pakistan in the top 6 unless there is a drastic drought of runs.

 

[zulfiqar]

To add on to my above post, it's why it's so dissapointing that he didn't score runs in the 1st innings of this test. We were placed comfortably when he first came to the crease and he should've been able to add on 50-100. I suppose this track really was too difficult for our batsmen to bat on though...

 

[Mir jibran]

lets give him a couple of series in top 4
but for next match he should be surely dropped and usman should debut

 

[proud_pakistani]

With Younis and Misbah retiring perhaps no. But in general tho I think Fawad Alam would have outscored Asad Shafiq if given the same amount of chances.

 

[Ab Fan]

Unfortunately, its just not the time to drop him as two of your seniors are retiring and younger players would need some time before they start making major impact. Babar Azam, himself, is yet to find his feat in tests too.

Lots of responsibility is going to be on Azhar's and Sarfaraz's shoulder as others are yet not up to mark.

 

[Citizen4]

He is to test team, what Umar Akmal is to ODI team.

Huge investment with little to no return. They failed to fulfill their potential.

It's time to move on. There are batsmen who are performing in the QeA trophy and haven't got a chance in the team, Fawad should also come in, Haris will also be in the mix after a season of QeA trophy.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Should be his last chance, in this final Test of the series.

 

[JibranAnsari]

Can pakistan afford to lose three experienced batsmen? He may start performing well once he realizes that the middle order depends upon him now. On paper fawad alam and haris sohail might look good but they arent going to start performing straight away. Babar azam's example is in front of us , he is struggling at the moment but i have no doubt that he will soon start performing.

But can not really afford to have three new batsmen come in at once with babar azam already new at that level.

Shehzad
Azhar
Shafiq
Babar
Salahuddin
Sarfraz
Yamin/imad
Yasir
Amir
Junaid/hassan/abbas
Junaid/hassan/abbas

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Also, we can't try too many new players at the same time.

 

[Cuts_and_cuts_hard]

No. Pakistan donot have any talent to replace him. Sooner fans give up the delusion that Pakistan has many talented youngsters, the better it will be.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Future Lineup:

Azhar Ali
Umar Amin
Babar Azam
Haris Sohail
Fawad Alam
Asad Shafiq
Sarfraz Ahmed(C)(WK)
Mohammed Amir
Yasir Shah
Hasan Ali
Mohammed Abbas

Bench:
Ahmed Shehzad
Sami Aslam
Usman Salahuddin
Shadab Khan
Mohammed Asghar
Wahab Riaz

 

[JibranAnsari]

In the last few years pakistan only tried one fast bowling all rounder in tests and that was bilawal bhatti :Facepalm:

It is time we try out a few more fast bowling all rounders starting from amir yamin.

 

[Eht]

Asad shafiq clearly struggles against the new-ish ball,even when set, gets out too often early against the 2nd new ball, not hallmark of a player supposed to be technically best in the team.

 

[ocfan]

He is your 3rd best batsman in Last three years and you wanna drop him

 

[JibranAnsari]

He is your 3rd best batsman in Last three years and you wanna drop him
View attachment 73938

I agree that he should not be dropped , but he needs to stand up now. He needs to be consistent now , management needs to put more responsibility on him by playing him up the order and expect daddy hundreds from him now. Azhar and asad are supposed to carry pakistani batting from now on.

 

[Abdullah719]

He is your 3rd best batsman in Last three years and you wanna drop him
View attachment 73938

Look at the average. Proves the point.

Shafiq was ahead of Azhar in the first couple of years in general, but Azhar has improved and surpassed him while Shafiq is still stuck averaging in the low 40s, playing one good innings per series and getting out in the same manner on a regular basis. I have lost count of the number of times he has gotten caught/LBW trying to flick one into the leg-side, and caught behind the wicket prodding outside off.

I don't see much improvement and lack of confidence seems to be a perennial problem as well.

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

Its insane to defend Babar and critisize Shafiq.. Both aren't performing lately.. So as Younis.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Look at the average. Proves the point.

Shafiq was ahead of Azhar in the first couple of years in general, but Azhar has improved and surpassed him while Shafiq is still stuck averaging in the low 40s, playing one good innings per series and getting out in the same manner on a regular basis. I have lost count of the number of times he has gotten caught/LBW trying to flick one into the leg-side, and caught behind the wicket prodding outside off.

I don't see much improvement and lack of confidence seems to be a perennial problem as well.

Also take a peak at Hafeez's Average 53.25 much higher than Asad but he is not in the side, plus he is also a bowler. Stats don't tell the whole story.

 

[Buffet]

Look at the average. Proves the point.

Shafiq was ahead of Azhar in the first couple of years in general, but Azhar has improved and surpassed him while Shafiq is still stuck averaging in the low 40s, playing one good innings per series and getting out in the same manner on a regular basis. I have lost count of the number of times he has gotten caught/LBW trying to flick one into the leg-side, and caught behind the wicket prodding outside off.

I don't see much improvement and lack of confidence seems to be a perennial problem as well.

Low 40 average can be good or bad, it can be a reason to drop some one, but it mostly depends on bench strengths. Does Pakistan has enough bench strength to replace YK/Misbah and also drop a batsman who averages in low 40s? If answer is yes, then drop him.

 

[Abdullah719]

Its insane to defend Babar and critisize Shafiq.. Both aren't performing lately.. So as Younis.

One has played less than 10 Tests and the other has played more than 50.

Also take a peak at Hafeez's Average 53.25 much higher than Asad but he is not in the side, plus he is also a bowler. Stats don't tell the whole story.

That's why I mentioned a bunch of other things, including inconsistency, lack of improvement and mental weakness.

Low 40 average can be good or bad, it can be a reason to drop some one, but it mostly depends on bench strengths. Does Pakistan has enough bench strength to replace YK/Misbah and also drop a batsman who averages in low 40s? If answer is yes, then drop him.

I do believe that others would have done better if they were afforded as many opportunities as Shafiq. Even someone like Fawad, despite his flaws.

I did mention that I don't think it's likely that Shafiq will be dropped in the near future, as the focus will be on replacing Younis/Misbah.

Do I think others can be adequate replacements? Yes. Whether that is a batsman, or an all-rounder to help provide some balance to the side.

 

[sshakir411]

I find it extremely odd that people compare Asad with Azhar.. Lets not forget this is the Pakistan team...by the time our #6 comes out to bat we've usually folded our innings (in most cases). Also Azhar has been the beneficiary of the golden boy treatment from Misbah/Waqar...despite Azhar's unorthodox technique he was persisted with the prestigious #3 spot while Asad batted in whatever position was left after the openers, Azhar, Younis, and Misbah filled their spots. Ideally Azhar and Asad should have been #3 and #4 (and then the comparison would've been fine) with Younis and Misbah taking 5 & 6...but seniors get the cake first and Asad always got the remains. Yeah Asad needs to step up because he's better than what he has achieved and I'm sure he will get there if given a proper run at 4.

 

[the SHA]

I wish we could to be honest. An incredibly frustrating player. But we have no choice to persist with him for another couple series, praying that the responsibility in post-Misbah / YK era lifts his game.

 

[GreenShirts]

Yes he has to be dropped unfortunately.

 

[Shafi]

I would rather take an extra bowler than this timid hack!!!!

 

[Abdullah719]

I find it extremely odd that people compare Asad with Azhar.. Lets not forget this is the Pakistan team...by the time our #6 comes out to bat we've usually folded our innings (in most cases). Also Azhar has been the beneficiary of the golden boy treatment from Misbah/Waqar...despite Azhar's unorthodox technique he was persisted with the prestigious #3 spot while Asad batted in whatever position was left after the openers, Azhar, Younis, and Misbah filled their spots. Ideally Azhar and Asad should have been #3 and #4 (and then the comparison would've been fine) with Younis and Misbah taking 5 & 6...but seniors get the cake first and Asad always got the remains. Yeah Asad needs to step up because he's better than what he has achieved and I'm sure he will get there if given a proper run at 4.

The #6 position can excuse the inconsistency, but I don't see how it's making him get out in the same manner over and over again, or how it makes him lack confidence. Every time he comes to the crease, he looks nervous and unsure of what to do.

 

[sshakir411]

The #6 position can excuse the inconsistency, but I don't see how it's making him get out in the same manner over and over again, or how it makes him lack confidence. Every time he comes to the crease, he looks nervous and unsure of what to do.

He does lack self-esteem as a batsman and needs to work on this issue. I think he can take a leaf out of Azhar's book in this aspect. Azhar despite his limited ability has been a great example of how hard work and concentration make a good batsman..actually most of our young players should learn this form Azhar.

I also think Asad needs to work on his stance a little bit...he stands a little closed off and is unable to adjust to the ball that comes in from off stump.

 

[Abdullah719]

He does lack self-esteem as a batsman and needs to work on this issue. I think he can take a leaf out of Azhar's book in this aspect. Azhar despite his limited ability has been a great example of how hard work and concentration make a good batsman..actually most of our young players should learn this form Azhar.

I also think Asad needs to work on his stance a little bit...he stands a little closed off and is unable to adjust to the ball that comes in from off stump.

Precisely.

This whole 'technique' talk about Asad is becoming tiresome because he needs to make some adjustments. Azhar is far better technically at the moment.

 

[ExplicitAI]

I think he should stay in the Test squad but should be benched. Need to try someone else in his spot. It would be too far to discard him just like that.

 

[MenInG]

Well I am sure he will play the last Test

 

[ads101]

Honestly can't believe most people want to drop him. We're losing our two best batsmen in YK and Misbah now. And no cemented opener to partner Azhar (shehzad looks absolutely awful dunno how long he'll last in the side, though hope it's just nerves returning to the side, willing to give him time).

There are plenty of space for new players. Stick with the guy who averages 40 at the moment, it's not too bad. If the two guys who replace YK and Misbah and Babar end up averaging 50 and outperforming Asad, and Asad is the weakest batsman in the team, then we can look to replace. But not at the moment. We've lost the bulk of our middle order batting, isn't time to get rid of the whole thing entirely and fill it with new guys.

I do think however Asad needs to move up preferably to 3, id settle for 4 though no lower, so newcomers/babar can learn batting lower down. Asad at the moment is taking up the spot of 6, which is usually used to groom youngsters and you move up with experience.

 

[fasihulhaq94]

He is your 3rd best batsman in Last three years and you wanna drop him
View attachment 73938

he is the sixth best batsman based on average

 

[The_Odd_One]

No way is he getting dropped considering the void left by Younis and Misbah's retirements.

 

[Abdullah719]

Do appreciate his intent to score faster considering the situation, but trying to clear the man at the boundary isn't really his game.

 

[Rayyman]

Do appreciate his intent to score faster considering the situation, but trying to clear the man at the boundary isn't really his game.

I won't blame him here. Had no other option with Misbah on 30(119) and Pakistan going nowhere.