Nasser Hussain "Why pick Shoaib Malik?"

[Azeem Zafar]

I think having Malik in our team for World Cup is not such a bad idea, we don't have an adequate replacement ready yet & it's too late to try some young players like Saud or Saad before World Cup.

The thing that really bothers me is Hafeez & Malik playing in the same XI, its like playing with 10.5 players against any top 5 team. One of them must sit out to make room for other in every match.

 

[Mamoon]

Is that the match where we set a competitive total and won ?

He would have if someone would have supported him. Funnily enough, we would have lost to Afghanistan without him as well, and people want him kicked out so that we can beat England, South Africa and India in the World Cup.

 

[Markhor]

He would have if someone would have supported him. Funnily enough, we would have lost to Afghanistan without him as well, and people want him kicked out so that we can beat England, South Africa and India in the World Cup.

Would we have lost 6 out of 8 ODIs vs New Zealand in 2018 if Shoaib Malik had any ability to face pace bowling above 125kph ?

In 2018 against nonminnows, Shoaib Malik averaged 25 at a SR of 67 and yet folks make out like his place in the team is unquestionable.

 

[Markhor]

Malik has been a decent performer, surprised Pakistani fans here are tearing into him he has been very good compared to others in recent past for Pakistani ODI team..

The second coming of Malik has been anything other than poor. He has earned his spot and some breathing room. Without bowling, can't say the same for Hafeez.

Malik averaged 25 at a SR of 67 against nonminnows in 2018 in ODIs.

This output from a senior batsman is unacceptable.

 

[Rayyman]

Malik averaged 25 at a SR of 67 against nonminnows in 2018 in ODIs.

This output from a senior batsman is unacceptable.

Lol Bhai why are you bumping this thread out of nowhere?


Malik is okay (35@85@#5), right now Hafeez (30@75@#4) is the culprit.

This Top 5 is probably the best that can play in the WC:
Fakhar, X, Babar, Haris, Malik.

If Umar Akmal is fit enough, he is the only guy I can see replacing Malik at #5 within the next two years.

 

[Mamoon]

Would we have lost 6 out of 8 ODIs vs New Zealand in 2018 if Shoaib Malik had any ability to face pace bowling above 125kph ?

In 2018 against nonminnows, Shoaib Malik averaged 25 at a SR of 67 and yet folks make out like his place in the team is unquestionable.

Malik would not get into any top side because he is a middling player at best. However, when you consider his overall performance since 2015, it is quite ridiculous to suggest that he should be dropped.

We are not exactly loaded with world class players who would prove to be upgrades. Considering the state of our team, he walks into the middle-order with his eyes closed.

 

[shariqnoor]

People have this concept that if you are a minnow basher, you are useless.

When you are Pakistan and your batting riches are precisely equal to zero, having a minnow basher should be cause for celebration.

Malik and Imam are ridiculed because they bash minnows and not score against top sides. But conveniently forget that you are still required to beat minnows. They do not get beat on their own.

Without Imam and Malik, Pakistan would've lost against Afghanistan. Without Malik, Pakistan would've lost multiple matches against Zimbabwe. They have saved Pakistan's blushes. You still need minnow bashers in your team when you are struggling to even find 1 quality batsman.

 

[Markhor]

Another dismissal versus pace.

 

[Bewal Express]

Its either Malik and Haris( if he is fit) and for me its Haris.

 

[in_cutter]

It’s 2019 and Malik/Hafeez combo is still there. Shameful & embarassing.

 

[waqar goraya]

Shoaib Malik has been mediocre throughout his cricketing career. While he had a decent year or 2 after the comeback , age seems to be getting on him.

I believe he is a disaster waiting to happen in World Cup. We should include some in-form batsmen in the middle order before world cup. Guys like Shan Masood, Rizwan need to be given an opportunity now. And probably Umar Akmal if he has shown some seriousness and discipline.

 

[Markhor]

Need a senior's innings from Malik here in this crunch moment of a deciding ODI.

He has had a mediocre series.

 

[Chikkeh]

Malik is a flat track bully.

 

[Markhor]

Not happy to proven right but Malik 2.0 was just more of Malik 1.0.

Skilful basher of spin in Asia and WI but unreliable once he steps outside Asia and against any decent pacer.

 

[CricketDon]

He would have if someone would have supported him. Funnily enough, we would have lost to Afghanistan without him as well, and people want him kicked out so that we can beat England, South Africa and India in the World Cup.

So you want malik selected on the basis of him scoring runs against Afghanistan... for a team being built to play a World Cup in England... where his highest score is 28 out of 18 innings....

Great thinning bro.

 

[Markhor]

So you want malik selected on the basis of him scoring runs against Afghanistan... for a team being built to play a World Cup in England... where his highest score is 28 out of 18 innings....

Great thinning bro.

This is how low our standards have fallen. It should be a given that a senior batsman of 20 years experience plays a good knock vs Afghanistan.

However when said senior batsman of 20 years experience repeatedly goes missing against top teams, particularly against any decent pace bowler, why shouldn't his place be questioned ?!

Against the other higher ranked sides since his 2015 comeback (Eng, Ind, NZ, SA, Aus, Ban), Malik averages 29 at a SR of 78 in 30 innings - yet some folks say he's undroppable !

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

He was a good player back in his day, still can bash the odd useful innings, but he's not good enough to be a specialist batsman these days. Without his bowling he really isn't worth a place in the side. When I see him or Srafraz in the top six I immediately think we are going to struggle to make a big score unless one of the top order gets a hundred. Lose early wickets and we are done for basically.

 

[Plumb]

Malik is the worse thing happened to pak cricket. He knows he is in bad touch and no way he deserve to be in playing 11. With Hafeez in good touch this guy shouldn't be in the team. He gladly accepted the captain's role as he knows he won't make it in the team as a player. Such a strong backing this guy have amazing...

 

[Rayyman]

It will be a travesty if a fit Haris has to sit out for this TTF.

 

[Mamoon]

So you want malik selected on the basis of him scoring runs against Afghanistan... for a team being built to play a World Cup in England... where his highest score is 28 out of 18 innings....

Great thinning bro.

There are no batsmen in Pakistan who can beat the living daylights out of top flight opposition. There is talent crisis in Pakistan, and Malik deserves to play the World Cup based on his performance since the previous World Cup.

 

[topspin]

There are no batsmen in Pakistan who can beat the living daylights out of top flight opposition. There is talent crisis in Pakistan, and Malik deserves to play the World Cup based on his performance since the previous World Cup.

Apart from that innings against England in the last ODI 3 years ago, can you name any other decent ODI knocks against top 5 opposition since his return post-2015 WC?

Secondly in the same period any decent knocks from him outside Asia?

He is such a limited player against pace but somehow he should retain his place for bashing the likes of SL and minnow sides.

 

[Markhor]

The second worst Pakistani player to have played more than 250 ODIs - the worst was Younis Khan.

 

[Hawkeye]

Malik must go.

So does Sarfraz.

These two will badly hurt our chances at the world cup.

 

[We Bleed Green]

Both Malik and Hafeez must not be selected for the worldcup.

Batting line up is so much better without them.

 

[Hawkeye]

Both Malik and Hafeez must not be selected for the worldcup.

Batting line up is so much better without them.

Lol what does Hafeez have to do with Malik being useless?

Hafeez was one of our best batsmen in the champions trophy and is not useless against pace.

 

[shah_1]

He is useless

 

[Cricket World]

Such a useless and waste of space.

 

[Chokli]

shoaib malik is going to be the younis khan of this world cup

 

[Hasan123]

I like him but honestly he needs to retire now.

 

[BakuGM]

He should have retired from Tests and ODI's about 5-6 years ago. He can play T20 but nothing else. I believe he is the worst player to have ever played over 250 international matches.

 

[Abdullah]

My thinking has always been that he will not allow us to succumb to some random spinner so can stave off defeat against SL / Afghanistan/ WI
Also India and England are gonna play spin twins, so I would rather he was there as he can bash spin.
Stays form me... Just

 

[Sadozai]

My thinking has always been that he will not allow us to succumb to some random spinner so can stave off defeat against SL / Afghanistan/ WI
Also India and England are gonna play spin twins, so I would rather he was there as he can bash spin.
Stays form me... Just

It'll be difficult for him to survive 3-4 overs of pace bowling & I don't think oppositions will be dumb enough to feed him spin bowling

 

[Cric_lover4487]

He whines about not being treated well in past. He is the captain now, why doesn’t he take responsibility of batting at no. 3 and lead the youngesters. Gutless player just like Misbah. Can’t believe Pakistan management for some reason can’t let go of Malik. He can only feast on spinners in late overs, that too when under no pressure. Only plays for his place in the team.

 

[Abdullah]

It'll be difficult for him to survive 3-4 overs of pace bowling & I don't think oppositions will be dumb enough to feed him spin bowling

When he comes in though, he will be facing spin. Teams that play 2 spinners, they will bowl most of the overs between 20 and 40

 

[Abdullah]

It'll be difficult for him to survive 3-4 overs of pace bowling & I don't think oppositions will be dumb enough to feed him spin bowling

When he comes in though, he will be facing spin. Teams that play 2 spinners, they will bowl most of the overs between 20 and 40

And even the seam bowlers will be the lesser quality ones and maybe even a bowling option if we can put the spinners under pressure

 

[Markhor]

Three years on, can anyone answer Nasser Hussain's question ?

 

[DRsohail]

Because he is Senior.

 

[iRfaN_LA]

Here is the answer: Beggars can’t be choosers

 

[Hasan123]

[MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION] [MENTION=134608]Hawkeye[/MENTION] [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION], everyone talking about non selection. But this guy being selected when he is in horrible form is a awful decision.

I know people don't like Rizwan but he deserves a chance over Malik. I would rather have Umar Akmal instead of Malik . At least Umar Akmal has some shots against pace rather than that dab to 3rd man .

Really disappointed with his selection and this someone who is a fan of Malik.

 

[Markhor]

Seniority Zindabad.

Let's hope Malik can improve his 13 average in England.

 

[MMHS]

[MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION] [MENTION=134608]Hawkeye[/MENTION] [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION], everyone talking about non selection. But this guy being selected when he is in horrible form is a awful decision.

I know people don't like Rizwan but he deserves a chance over Malik. I would rather have Umar Akmal instead of Malik . At least Umar Akmal has some shots against pace rather than that dab to 3rd man .

Really disappointed with his selection and this someone who is a fan of Malik.

At some point PCB has to learn how to phase out generation - may be after this WC it'll happen. Every WC since 1996 I have seen PAK dragging few obsolete players, that cost dearly - only may be 1999 squad was a bit different.

Since Malik wasn't forced to retire after CT win (which would have been a perfect platform for such a veteran, who might play for PAK touching 4 decades!!!! Tendulkar did that for IND ......), it was almost certain that he'll be in WC. But not sure if they'll bench Haris for him or not.

There is no back-up WK either, so Rizwan was a must; but now I think Abid'll be given the responsibility.

 

[Hasan123]

At some point PCB has to learn how to phase out generation - may be after this WC it'll happen. Every WC since 1996 I have seen PAK dragging few obsolete players, that cost dearly - only may be 1999 squad was a bit different.

Since Malik wasn't forced to retire after CT win (which would have been a perfect platform for such a veteran, who might play for PAK touching 4 decades!!!! Tendulkar did that for IND ......), it was almost certain that he'll be in WC. But not sure if they'll bench Haris for him or not.

There is no back-up WK either, so Rizwan was a must; but now I think Abid'll be given the responsibility.

Hafeez and Malik should have been moved on after the CT. I think if he fails against England, he won't start the World Cup.

 

[Hawkeye]

[MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION] [MENTION=134608]Hawkeye[/MENTION] [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION], everyone talking about non selection. But this guy being selected when he is in horrible form is a awful decision.

I know people don't like Rizwan but he deserves a chance over Malik. I would rather have Umar Akmal instead of Malik . At least Umar Akmal has some shots against pace rather than that dab to 3rd man .

Really disappointed with his selection and this someone who is a fan of Malik.

Younis Khan of 2015 moment.

He has too strong of a backing in the board. Inzi is also clueless.

 

[Iffitheking]

My God when we will get rid of this nuisance, useless player. PCB should have kicked him of the team ever since he stop bowling.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Extremely lucky to be part of WC squad.

Rizzu, Asif, Akmal, Khushdil all are better players than him and more suitable for English conditions.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Extremely lucky to be part of WC squad.

Rizzu, Asif, Akmal, Khushdil all are better players than him and more suitable for English conditions.

He has contacts he was always going to be in the squad. Similar situation with Wahab but he just couldn't make it.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

He has contacts he was always going to be in the squad. Similar situation with Wahab but he just couldn't make it.

True that.

 

[Saj]

If Pakistan had more experienced players currently, Malik would not have been selected.

 

[the Great Khan]

Relax guys. He made a triple century against Mcgrath and Warne and helped us win trophies galore between 2005-2007..I'm expecting him to get back to his bradmenesque average of 99 this WC..