Lowest averages by opening batsmen in Tests (last five years)

[Abdul]

 

[Boi]

Makes the decision to demote Azhar all the more baffling.

 

[Sherlock]

Great achievement by Masood...Aslam isn't far behind either.

Well done to the selectors, again.

 

[Markhor]

At least Aslam can say he's been involved in several tough overseas tours. Shan Masood has played a lot of matches in Asia and still has a pathetic record.

Drop him already.

 

[A-1]

Whatta Player!!!!!!

Credit goes to inzi and the management. Inzi is all talk, he used whine about the selectors when he was the National team captain but he himself is following in their footsteps

Nepotism over merit.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Why do you do this to us Mickey Arthur? I am afraid that he will get Salman Butt in the team now just to keep Azhar Ali at 3.

 

[htariq25]

What an atg

 

[shah_1]

Micky has been a disaster for us in Test cricket

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Micky has been a disaster for us in Test cricket

The problem with Mickey in tests has been that he isn't adjusting his battle plans according to conditions. He is still going with the ENG combination in the UAE which is a sin. Not only that but he is also killing the few pacers we have left with this strategy in the UAE.

Also M. Asghar is still waiting for his debut since 2015.

 

[shah_1]

Shan has played 8 matches in UAE with an average of 20

 

[IndYeah1]

View attachment 76714

When Kieran Powell is better at batting than you, after having disappeared for a couple of years to play baseball, you should know you're not good enough.

I don't follow Pak cricket as closely and its possible that Masood is a decent test bat who has bad numbers because he's been forced to open. The great VVS Laxman was rank ordinary as an opener for India in tests - was a world-class #6 though, and would have been better at #5, if not for the inconvenient fact that the captain was occupying that spot.

But Masood shouldn't be opening for Pakistan. Doesn't belong there.

 

[Abdul]

When Kieran Powell is better at batting than you, after having disappeared for a couple of years to play baseball, you should know you're not good enough.

I don't follow Pak cricket as closely and its possible that Masood is a decent test bat who has bad numbers because he's been forced to open. The great VVS Laxman was rank ordinary as an opener for India in tests - was a world-class #6 though, and would have been better at #5, if not for the inconvenient fact that the captain was occupying that spot.

But Masood shouldn't be opening for Pakistan. Doesn't belong there.

Shan Masood is only on the team because his father works in PCB (board of directors). He has below average performances in domestic cricket, averages 34 odd. We've much better options than him but poor chaps don't get to play because nepotism is at its finest.

To his credit, he takes very good care of his fitness (fittest in the team). He's very humble, well-spoken and all that. Just shouldn't be in the team. He'd be better off if he just left cricket and started bodybuilding.

 

[IndYeah1]

Shan Masood is only on the team because his father works in PCB (board of directors). He has below average performances in domestic cricket, averages 34 odd. We've much better options than him but poor chaps don't get to play because nepotism is at its finest.

To his credit, he takes very good care of his fitness (fittest in the team). He's very humble, well-spoken and all that. Just shouldn't be in the team. He'd be better off if he just left cricket and started bodybuilding.

But why would the likes of Arthur accept that.

It might not at all be a popular opinion here, but I think Princess Selfiana has been dealt an unfair hand when it comes to test cricket, and to Pakistan's detriment. His strike rate issues wouldn't be a problem in test cricket, and I think he would have been a better option at the top of the order than Shan Masood or Hafeez.

 

[Abdul]

But why would the likes of Arthur accept that.

It might not at all be a popular opinion here, but I think Princess Selfiana has been dealt an unfair hand when it comes to test cricket, and to Pakistan's detriment. His strike rate issues wouldn't be a problem in test cricket, and I think he would have been a better option at the top of the order than Shan Masood or Hafeez.

Think this explains why.

While the frustrations are understandable, it is also pertinent to think of it from Mickey's perspective.

He is hard working, dedicated, polite, eager to improve and possesses good communication skills. These are the traits that a coach values. Yes he seems to lack the natural ability that is necessary to excel at the top level, but coaches generally do not put much emphasis on the talent factor, since that is something beyond their realm.

A coach would back himself to help Masood take his game to the next level. He is the type of person every coach would love to take under his wings.

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...he-Test-squad-justified&p=9456056#post9456056

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Only list Masood will ever "top"

 

[as-95]

Masood must be excluded asap. He has no business being involved in international cricket for the likes of Netherlands. Never mind playing for Pakistan. Disgusting nepotism and also a sever lack of spine shown by Mickey Arthur.

 

[New Yorker]

Think this explains why.



http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...he-Test-squad-justified&p=9456056#post9456056

Mickey doesn't have a check on the domestic scene. The PCB tells him Shan is the best option, yes Imam may look good stats wise but he is too raw, what will he say?

Also, don't discount the self preservation instincts of a coach who has been ignominiously fired once already.

As we continue to do poorly in Tests his ability to assert a difference of opinion with the PCB, presuming he has one, will only dim.