"It's not about winning the series, it's about trying our bench strength" : Shoaib Malik

[MenInG]

Shoaib Malik speaking at end of the 2nd ODI

"To be honest, its the bowling, the ability to strike early is what we are lacking"

"Over all we could see positives that the team is fighting till the last ball"

"Its a great sign that someone else [Rizwan] is knocking on the door for a World Cup selection"

"Our goal is to give everyone an opportunity, its not about winning the series or anything, its just to try our bench strength"

 

[babajee]

"Early strike early strike"

Opens the bowling with Imad Wasim.....

 

[Muhammad Saad]

To be honest Imad does look threatening with the new ball.

 

[Titan24]

Questionable comment as I believe even while trying players your aim should be to win.

I know he meant bigger target is different but still with whatever players at disposal win should be the focus.

 

[babajee]

To be honest Imad does look threatening with the new ball.

Only when the batsman is going after him.

 

[Bhaijaan]

If he said he should be made to apologize.

When you step on to the field playing for your country there is no excuse but give everything for a win.

Very sad statsment.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

He makes it sound like, we have 11 match winners in the team, and we are rotating the remaining bench to see what happens.

 

[imranq]

Really poor comment from malik. Lame excuse for his short comings as a captain.

 

[Kroll]

Clearly, Malik has lost his senses.

 

[Abdullah719]

Poor comment.

 

[Hasan123]

If the captain is thinking this imagine what the rest of the team is thinking. You can see in the field the lack of intensity and desire that some players know they will be selected and some know they won't be anyway.

Pathetic comments.

 

[PakSarZameen]

Disgraceful comment and this shows how the management and the selectors perceive this series to be.

 

[Plumb]

Pathetic comments from a done and dusted player/captain. Even if the comment is fine.... Ironic this is our bench if any of our key players don’t play few WC games, we can call WC good bye. Bench should be on par with the first choice players...

What happened Mickey, when appointmented you were singing the songs of building pool of 25-30 players, keeping a close eye on domestic and this is what you have build? All you have done is talk and picking players from psl nothing else.

 

[asadee]

Akin to YKs fun cricket comment

 

[arehaan]

Extremely poor from the captain. If this is the mindset coming from a captain then we are not playing for the country. Malik seems disinterested

 

[Dr_Bassim]

What can he say though?

I've been given a poor team where Yasir is my main spinner and he gets whacked for sixes, Imad is under performing with the bowl, Amir hasn't performed as an opening bowler since God knows when, and my other bowler is a medium pacer whom I can even whack out of the park when I want.

The only attacking batsmen I have is an Akmal who cant resist those slogs and so at the end of the day, NO ONE can win with this combination.

He doesn't even look like he wants the captaincy but is going through his sad motions because someone at the PCB forced him to take it to give Sarfraz rest.

Sounds like a sound byte comment. It's not about winning, but bench strength. Something Micky Arthur told him to say or wanted him to say to get the heat off their backs.

Ridiculous performance, ridiculous insight and a disinterested captain.

Can't wait for the series to be over unless their is a dramatic change of fortunes.

 

[Asif321]

Malik being selfish here he knows he will play worldcup
So he just going through motions

 

[Markhor]

Malik used to say similar inane statements during his captaincy stint between 2007-09.

Modern day fans are getting a glimpse of that era.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

BTW my lineup for the world cup is
Fakhar
Imam/Shaan
Babar
Haris
Sarfraz
Hafeez
Akmal
Shadab
Hasan
Shaheen
Hasnain

Batting look very good with power hitters and bowling looks well rounded as I expect Haris and Hafeez to finish the 10 over quota

 

[Dr_Bassim]

BTW my lineup for the world cup is
Fakhar
Imam/Shaan
Babar
Haris
Sarfraz
Hafeez
Akmal
Shadab
Hasan
Shaheen
Hasnain

Batting look very good with power hitters and bowling looks well rounded as I expect Haris and Hafeez to finish the 10 over quota

The only catch is if Fakhar gets out early, by the time Imam, Haris and Babar get out or take the score somewhere Pakistan will never go beyond 250-290 runs and rarely 300.

 

[Sadozai]

How could a captain make such a pathetic statement.

 

[Pakistanian]

Has malik replaced sarfaraz? Haven't been following cricket lately.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

The only catch is if Fakhar gets out early, by the time Imam, Haris and Babar get out or take the score somewhere Pakistan will never go beyond 250-290 runs and rarely 300.

Shaan is definitely not slow and babar recently found a power game as well (or somewhat power game) Haris is fine as an anchor and sarfi Hafeez and Akmal can up the ante when needed, pretty strong batting unit i reckon

 

[Abdullah719]

Has malik replaced sarfaraz? Haven't been following cricket lately.

No. Sarfaraz has been rested for this series.

 

[shah_1]

He has gone mad or what?

Pathetic commenf

 

[Sadozai]

How could a captain make such a pathetic statement.

After such statement from the captain of our team, is there any need to watch remaining matches or should we just check the scorecard at the end of the match just like a random domestic or A tour match to see how our "bench strength" is doing

 

[a_tahir]

Tbh i expected this type of comment from Sarfaraz. I thought Malik was well spoken.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

No. Sarfaraz has been rested for this series.

Looks like PCB rested both Sarfaraz and Shoaib Malik's brain for this series. That is why he is giving such statements.

 

[a_tahir]

Looks like PCB rested both Sarfaraz and Shoaib Malik's brain for this series. That is why he is giving such statements.

Pakistan should just announce that we'll not be continuing this series as we all need to rest.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Shouldnt have said that, even if it was implied.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Imagine if Sarfraz said anything close to this, the haters would explode lol

 

[Sadozai]

Pakistan should just announce that we'll not be continuing this series as we all need to rest.

Good idea, at least this will save the time & energies of pak cricket fans

 

[Suleiman]

Can’t disagree with him. Sometimes you are working towards something bigger like a World Cup so series like these don’t matter. Give my man Shobby a break, he’s doing his best with a poor team, lion leading sheep.

 

[The Viper]

Malik has displayed poor leadership whenever he has captained in internationals and in PSL. Testing bench strength is one thing but if your aim is to not even try to win, then what’s the point of showing up.

 

[Cric1234]

Can’t disagree with him. Sometimes you are working towards something bigger like a World Cup so series like these don’t matter. Give my man Shobby a break, he’s doing his best with a poor team, lion leading sheep.

He's doing great looked toothless in the field no real passion or anger going through the motions hoping for something to happen.

 

[Slim]

Pathetic comment from Malik. You try to win in every case, no matter what the make up of the team. Testing the bench strength is over-arching goal but the numero uno goal is always to win the match.

 

[Ami]

Malik is right...thats what they're doing...trying bench strength?
Stop getting your knickers in a twist?

 

[gazza619]

To be honest Imad does look threatening with the new ball.

For 12 balls. Then the batsmen get used to his dibbly dobbly swingers.

 

[gazza619]

Pathetic comment from Malik. You try to win in every case, no matter what the make up of the team. Testing the bench strength is over-arching goal but the numero uno goal is always to win the match.

Exactly. Not a good statement.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Imagine if Sarfraz said anything close to this, the haters would explode lol

Lol so true!

 

[iRfaN_LA]

Most pathetic statement I have heard in a long time. Malik is such a sore loser.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

I think i will just follow the matches on cricinfo and will only tune in to see Haris, Hasnain and Abid/Shan.

No need to watch the matches when the captain isnt even concerned about winning.

 

[Nado_]

I think i will just follow the matches on cricinfo and will only tune in to see Haris, Hasnain and Abid/Shan.

No need to watch the matches when the captain isnt even concerned about winning.

Bro I had this mindset, after the first game, it seems players are doing a rehearsal/try out for the World Cup and not concerned on winning the series only focused on numbers apart from maybe Akmal who trying to push for winning run rate (might be wrong about Akmal but at least he taking risk albeit stupid shot selection)

 

[saeedhk]

What a horrible comment. He should be kicked out.

 

[Green Patriot]

What a sorry statement.
Whatever your aim is the primary goal is always to win.
If the seniors in the team are taking this series with this sort of mindset,no wonder the youngsters coming through have no team spirit and play for personal milestones.

Ramiz rightly said,this statement must have broken alot of hearts.

 

[RobinJay]

Why not? The objective of any team stepping out on the field representing their country should be to claim victory. Shameful. Why are we even watching and rooting for them to do well if the players themselves don't want to win.

 

[Usman Chadda]

I'm not entirely uncertain this was a serious comment from Malik. If it was, then it's an insult to his own team-mates aswell as the Australian cricket team.

 

[Jin Chacha]

Disagree with him on both counts. It is our batting that is the bigger issue and you can't judge bench strength simply by playing practice matches.

Even if we are testing the bench strength, this mindset will hardly tell us anything about the true abilities of our bench. Would be extremely disappointing if players like Rizwan, Haris and Umar Akmal are judged on the number of runs scored rather than the quality of their innings or their contribution to the result of the match. Watching Aussie batsmen play it is clear that our batsmen weren't pushing hard enough. Scoring a hundred looks good on paper but a hundred at a strike rate of 80 isn't good enough on these pitches.

The bowlers are pretty much neutralized on these pitches anyway so unless you give them a target of 300 plus to defend, it is hard to blame them. Even the Australian bowlers have struggled to get wickets, it is only our conservative batting style that has allowed them to restrict us.

 

[kingusama92]

What an odd thing to say.

Even if it's Malik + 10 club cricketers, you can't go around making such weak-hearted statements to the media as captain.

With this mindset, the series is now a guaranteed whitewash.

 

[JibranAnsari]

Our batting definitely confirmed the statement , there was no sense of urgency. Only a few players trying to find their spots for the world cup.

 

[JibranAnsari]

In other words , he is saying to pakistan fans dont bother watching and saying to his opponents that we are not here to win.

 

[hadi123]

What a pathetic, pathetic comment by Shoaib Malik. Losing a lot of respect for him.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

Yes Malik i understand what you mean. I was a beast in gully cricket. I could have been greatest fast bowler of all time par vo maine cricket ko seriously nai liya.

 

[jadaja]

It is just an excuse laid out to cover for the losses. Aussies would beat so called full strength Pakistan team too.

 

[a_tahir]

It is just an excuse laid out to cover for the losses. Aussies would beat so called full strength Pakistan team too.

Debatable

 

[Rana]

He's been poor on the mic for quite some time now, especially with his PSL toss comments where he was happy that he didn't know who was in his playing XI on a regular basis.

The guy seems to be more of an entertainer than a cricketer these days.

 

[Titan24]

It is just an excuse laid out to cover for the losses. Aussies would beat so called full strength Pakistan team too.

Cant say until full squad plays. There are 6 main players missing, any team would struggle without 6 main players. However, comments of Malik and some selections are preety questionable. Another guy Haris Rauf was bowling close to 150 kph with lethal yorkers and Abbas was selected, young 19 year old spinner Umer Khan got every top order batsman out was in the top 5 wicket takers and temperament showed was exceptional however Yasir who hasnt done anything in LOIs was selected over him. There were other performing youngsters who could have been tried.

Even without the main players and right selection Pak team could have given tough competition but by the looks of it PCB and team management are playing series for the sake of it which is not the right attitude.

 

[Kroll]

What a pathetic, pathetic comment by Shoaib Malik. Losing a lot of respect for him.

Exactly, at least think about the fans who follow the team through thick and thin. And why should fans bother turning up at the ground if they're not trying to win?

 

[coy0607]

if its about testing bench straighten, then what is Malik doing with the team?

literally the longest serving active cricketer is going to make comments about testing bench strength

 

[topspin]

The way our players address the media is so funny.

Before this we were bestowed with Sarfraz's wisdom when he gave credit to Fakhar due to his ability to produce "pathan wale shots".

 

[jadaja]

Cant say until full squad plays. There are 6 main players missing, any team would struggle without 6 main players. However, comments of Malik and some selections are preety questionable. Another guy Haris Rauf was bowling close to 150 kph with lethal yorkers and Abbas was selected, young 19 year old spinner Umer Khan got every top order batsman out was in the top 5 wicket takers and temperament showed was exceptional however Yasir who hasnt done anything in LOIs was selected over him. There were other performing youngsters who could have been tried.

Even without the main players and right selection Pak team could have given tough competition but by the looks of it PCB and team management are playing series for the sake of it which is not the right attitude.

When was the last time Pakistan won a series again non minnow country.

 

[Syed1]

What a pathetic mindset to have.... should have given captaincy to Imad rather than "senior" Malik, but what else you expect from corrupt Inzi or incompetent Mickey.

 

[ShahidDar08]

How can bowl out a team with 2-3 specialist bowlers.

Imad and Fahim are not only suited for T20 cricket. Yasir is a proven failure in ODI's (should play only test matches)

Go with 5 specialist bowlers and see the difference.

 

[basitmian]

If its not about winning the series, why are we watching and following the series?

 

[MenInG]

Should have organized nets in the back-garden instead of this tamasha!

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Lame excuse for the losses and what a pathetic mindset as a captain.

Series is still alive with three matches to go, only the last series against India , AUS just fought back after being 2-0 down in the series winning it 3-2 in the end.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Sums up the mentality of the team. No wonder, they do not show any intent to win.

 

[shaaik]

Malik should be sacked from the captaincy right away for these horrendous comments let alone the performance of the team...

 

[ExplicitAI]

Was this the captain everyone was screaming for to replace Sarfraz? )

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Was this the captain everyone was screaming for to replace Sarfraz? )

Hahaha lmao yes, and now after Rizwan's century they are saying him to replace Sarfraz in WC and have an alien as captain in WC as their beloved choice Malik failed.

Folks here think captaincy is kids play. Also I remember the gang which used to say that Malik and Mickey were the main men behind our CT win and Malik was the one motivating & guiding the players plus taking tactical decisions and Sarfraz was just a dummy. You dont have to go far behind but see the threads made after 4th odi vs SA and see dozens of comments from some Einsteins lol.

 

[Saj]

Bench strength should have been tested many months ago not 2 months before a World Cup.

Strange planning.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Bench strength should have been tested many months ago not 2 months before a World Cup.

Strange planning.

Bench testing is fine. It should be encouraged. Its the first time I've seen a Pakistani set up be this bold pre world cup. Usually the top performers will even play the dead rubbers. This makes sense.

However there is no excuse for bad captaincy. Malik is absolutely terrible.

 

[Saj]

Bench testing is fine. It should be encouraged. Its the first time I've seen a Pakistani set up be this bold pre world cup. Usually the top performers will even play the dead rubbers. This makes sense.

However there is no excuse for bad captaincy. Malik is absolutely terrible.

I don't think losing match after match just before a World Cup is great planning at all.

 

[Mp812]

It's a master strategy no one can understand
1. Eliminate law of averages interfering during world cup by loosing game after game before world cup. The law of averages will then make win Pakistan game after game in world cup
2. Do not expose the real batters and bowlers to opposition before world cup. That way they will not be able to create strategies against them
3. Dont take opposite teams wickets so their lower order batters dont get match practice
4 Loosing game after game will ensure opposition take Pakistan lightly in world cup. Then suddenly in world cup catch them off guard

 

[Abdullah719]

Shoaib Akhtar lambastes Shoaib Malik for not caring about series result

Pakistan’s former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has called out veteran batsman Shoaib Malik over his latest statement that he isn’t concerned about winning against Australia, after losing two matches in the ongoing One Day International (ODI) series.

Malik called for trouble while speaking at the presentation ceremony after losing the second ODI when he said that he is not worried about the series result. Malik said that the series is all about testing the bench strength. “It’s not about winning the series, it’s about testing our bench strength,” said Pakistan captain for the series, Malik.

After former Pakistan captain-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja expressed his disbelief over Malik’s statement, ex-Pakistan cricketer Akhtar too has now slammed Malik for the same.

“Malik said the wrong things during the presentation…. We should learn what we need to say the right thing at the right time, as it matters a lot,” said Akhtar. The Rawalpindi Express further said that it is ‘embarrassing’ to see the current performance of the Pakistani side. Akhtar emphasized on putting up massive targets on the scoreboard, saying that it has became a necessity in modern day cricket

With the series 2-0 in favor of Australia, hosts Pakistan would need to win the remaining three ODIs of the series, which are scheduled to be played in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on March 27, 29 and 31 respectively.

https://www.brecorder.com/2019/03/2...aib-malik-for-not-caring-about-series-result/

 

[Titan24]

When was the last time Pakistan won a series again non minnow country.

Series vs Nz was drawn where Pak had a decent advantage in the last game before the rain.

Anyways its a faulty logic, Pak last won ICC tournament in 2009 before CT 17, that didnt mean just bcz they havent won for 8 years they couldnt have won.

Just bcz Pak havent won a series against non minnows for some time doesnt mean they couldnt have done it. Ind recently beat Aus in Aus and that was first time of them beating a non minnow team in an overseas tour while Aus just beat Ind in Ind in ODI series.

My point is last few series or years dont decide the results of future series, its cricket any thing can happen. So I stick by my point that Hassan Ali, Babar Azam, Shaheen, Fakhar, Sarfaraz until they play we cant say anything for sure that what would have happened.

 

[JattMaula]

Just bcz Pak havent won a series against non minnows for some time doesnt mean they couldnt have done it. Ind recently beat Aus in Aus and that was first time of them beating a non minnow team in an overseas tour while Aus just beat Ind in Ind in ODI series.

India crushed SA in SA before beating Australia.

 

[mesmerizer85]

Is Malik also referring to himself as one from the Bench here?

 

[jadaja]

Series vs Nz was drawn where Pak had a decent advantage in the last game before the rain.

Anyways its a faulty logic, Pak last won ICC tournament in 2009 before CT 17, that didnt mean just bcz they havent won for 8 years they couldnt have won.

Just bcz Pak havent won a series against non minnows for some time doesnt mean they couldnt have done it. Ind recently beat Aus in Aus and that was first time of them beating a non minnow team in an overseas tour while Aus just beat Ind in Ind in ODI series.

My point is last few series or years dont decide the results of future series, its cricket any thing can happen. So I stick by my point that Hassan Ali, Babar Azam, Shaheen, Fakhar, Sarfaraz until they play we cant say anything for sure that what would have happened.

Pakistan is a very poor odi team, CT 2017 does not make it a great team. CT 2017 was a fluke and it has been proved again and again. I doubt Pakistan with its full team would have been this Australian team.

India has beaten every team away except England which was 2-1. Don't compare India to Pakistan.

 

[shaaik]

So it's going to be 5-0 to Australia then. Since we came into this series with only one thing in mind to fill the vacant spots for the world cup , it seems the mission has been accomplished successfully at last ..