Pakistan Test Captaincy Options

[BetaG]

With Babars Test captaincy not doing well, options should be considered

1. Babar Azam (retain as captain)
Pros:
He got to the world t20 finals, asia cup finals this year. He is an automatic pick in all formats. He is only 28.

Cons:
Babar Azam has been much critizised for his lack of tactical acumen. He seems to stick to a formula and he never wants to change his approach, which is defensive and formulaic. He diffuses blame and doesnt seem like an outspoken leader. He feigns confidence in players yet chops and changes them cosntantly with strange selection.


2. Shan masood
Pros:
He is educated in sports management, he may have better understanding and comprehension of man management. He is experienced and has been in good domestic form. Brings in a different mindset than typical Pakistani, having lived abroad, studied in England. He also has domestic captaincy experience in county I believe.

Cons:
His extremely poor record averaging in the 20s. He does not have a spot on the XI. He is also 33, which is not very young.

3. Rizwan
Pros:
He is pretty much a sure selection as Pakistan dont have a lot of wicketkeeping options. He is energetic and seems to have to confidence and attention of players / squad. His energy would boost the team and he can give advice from behind the stumps. He is already vice captain. He captained in New Zealand as well so there is some experience captaining in Tests.

Cons:
Seems like he is close to Babar, could have a similar mindset to Babar which would not shake up the status quo. He could be tired keeping, batting higher up, captain all in one. He is not in a good patch of form in Test cricket right now.

4. Fawad alam
Making Fawad Alam the captain could be an option to steady the ship with a lot of paralels to Misbah.
In the case of Misbah, he made his debut in 2001 and was dropped before racking up the runs in domestic consistenly over many seasons, to come back in 2007. He was in good form from 2007-2009, before he lost form and was cut from the team to make way for younger players. After the in Pakistan low of match fixing saga, he made a comeback at the age of 36 and was named captain, having played 19 tests to this point. His cool head and experience guided Pakistan out of turbulent times.

This should sound familiar as Fawad is in an identical situation. After debuting in 2009, he was dropped and grinded first class, making a comeback in 2020 and was in good form in 2021 before being axed following 3 matches of poor form to make way for youngsters. He is 37 and has also played 19 tests to this point. Pakistan is at a new low after losing home series and they need a cool, experienced head to get the team out of a spot of turbulence. Fawad seems to have regained form in the end of Quaid e Azam trophy and could be a good captaoncy candidate if they are looking for Misbah option. He would not make any crazy or radical moves, he has captaincy experience as well.

Cons:
He lost form in his last few Tests, he is 37 so he will not be able to captain for long unless he is able to play into 40s like Misbah which is possible considering his good fitness.


Add your thoughts, other suggestions, etc!

 

[Savak]

Sethi is more inclined towards Shan Masood for test matches and Imad Wasim for the white ball formats

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Anyone but Babar and Masood

 

[cricketAXEpert]

With Babars Test captaincy not doing well, options should be considered

1. Babar Azam (retain as captain)
Pros:
He got to the world t20 finals, asia cup finals this year. He is an automatic pick in all formats. He is only 28.

Cons:
Babar Azam has been much critizised for his lack of tactical acumen. He seems to stick to a formula and he never wants to change his approach, which is defensive and formulaic. He diffuses blame and doesnt seem like an outspoken leader. He feigns confidence in players yet chops and changes them cosntantly with strange selection.


2. Shan masood
Pros:
He is educated in sports management, he may have better understanding and comprehension of man management. He is experienced and has been in good domestic form. Brings in a different mindset than typical Pakistani, having lived abroad, studied in England. He also has domestic captaincy experience in county I believe.

Cons:
His extremely poor record averaging in the 20s. He does not have a spot on the XI. He is also 33, which is not very young.

3. Rizwan
Pros:
He is pretty much a sure selection as Pakistan dont have a lot of wicketkeeping options. He is energetic and seems to have to confidence and attention of players / squad. His energy would boost the team and he can give advice from behind the stumps. He is already vice captain. He captained in New Zealand as well so there is some experience captaining in Tests.

Cons:
Seems like he is close to Babar, could have a similar mindset to Babar which would not shake up the status quo. He could be tired keeping, batting higher up, captain all in one. He is not in a good patch of form in Test cricket right now.

4. Fawad alam
Making Fawad Alam the captain could be an option to steady the ship with a lot of paralels to Misbah.
In the case of Misbah, he made his debut in 2001 and was dropped before racking up the runs in domestic consistenly over many seasons, to come back in 2007. He was in good form from 2007-2009, before he lost form and was cut from the team to make way for younger players. After the in Pakistan low of match fixing saga, he made a comeback at the age of 36 and was named captain, having played 19 tests to this point. His cool head and experience guided Pakistan out of turbulent times.

This should sound familiar as Fawad is in an identical situation. After debuting in 2009, he was dropped and grinded first class, making a comeback in 2020 and was in good form in 2021 before being axed following 3 matches of poor form to make way for youngsters. He is 37 and has also played 19 tests to this point. Pakistan is at a new low after losing home series and they need a cool, experienced head to get the team out of a spot of turbulence. Fawad seems to have regained form in the end of Quaid e Azam trophy and could be a good captaoncy candidate if they are looking for Misbah option. He would not make any crazy or radical moves, he has captaincy experience as well.

Cons:
He lost form in his last few Tests, he is 37 so he will not be able to captain for long unless he is able to play into 40s like Misbah which is possible considering his good fitness.


Add your thoughts, other suggestions, etc!

Rizwan has to be the new captain. Although his test Batting record is not stellar but is decent for # 6, Rizwan has courage and a good cricket brain plus he captained Multan Sultan like a Sultan. Fawad Alam needs to get his spot back before even considered for captaincy, not a good choice at 37 . Shan Masood needs to show performance at test level.
It should be a phased change Start from one format rather than removing Babar from all three formats.

 

[Saj]

Well the NZ series gives Babar a chance to prove his critics wrong.

I don't think Sethi is that impressed with Babar at the moment.

 

[ghaint]

White Ball - Shadab
Red Ball - Shaheen(do not name until before next test series, let things cool down)

 

[Bewal Express]

Well the NZ series gives Babar a chance to prove his critics wrong.

I don't think Sethi is that impressed with Babar at the moment.

The reality is that outside results Sethi has about as much clue about Captaincy as a street urchin.

 

[moghul]

With Babars Test captaincy not doing well, options should be considered

1. Babar Azam (retain as captain)
Pros:
He got to the world t20 finals, asia cup finals this year. He is an automatic pick in all formats. He is only 28.

Cons:
Babar Azam has been much critizised for his lack of tactical acumen. He seems to stick to a formula and he never wants to change his approach, which is defensive and formulaic. He diffuses blame and doesnt seem like an outspoken leader. He feigns confidence in players yet chops and changes them cosntantly with strange selection.


2. Shan masood
Pros:
He is educated in sports management, he may have better understanding and comprehension of man management. He is experienced and has been in good domestic form. Brings in a different mindset than typical Pakistani, having lived abroad, studied in England. He also has domestic captaincy experience in county I believe.

Cons:
His extremely poor record averaging in the 20s. He does not have a spot on the XI. He is also 33, which is not very young.

3. Rizwan
Pros:
He is pretty much a sure selection as Pakistan dont have a lot of wicketkeeping options. He is energetic and seems to have to confidence and attention of players / squad. His energy would boost the team and he can give advice from behind the stumps. He is already vice captain. He captained in New Zealand as well so there is some experience captaining in Tests.

Cons:
Seems like he is close to Babar, could have a similar mindset to Babar which would not shake up the status quo. He could be tired keeping, batting higher up, captain all in one. He is not in a good patch of form in Test cricket right now.

4. Fawad alam
Making Fawad Alam the captain could be an option to steady the ship with a lot of paralels to Misbah.
In the case of Misbah, he made his debut in 2001 and was dropped before racking up the runs in domestic consistenly over many seasons, to come back in 2007. He was in good form from 2007-2009, before he lost form and was cut from the team to make way for younger players. After the in Pakistan low of match fixing saga, he made a comeback at the age of 36 and was named captain, having played 19 tests to this point. His cool head and experience guided Pakistan out of turbulent times.

This should sound familiar as Fawad is in an identical situation. After debuting in 2009, he was dropped and grinded first class, making a comeback in 2020 and was in good form in 2021 before being axed following 3 matches of poor form to make way for youngsters. He is 37 and has also played 19 tests to this point. Pakistan is at a new low after losing home series and they need a cool, experienced head to get the team out of a spot of turbulence. Fawad seems to have regained form in the end of Quaid e Azam trophy and could be a good captaoncy candidate if they are looking for Misbah option. He would not make any crazy or radical moves, he has captaincy experience as well.

Cons:
He lost form in his last few Tests, he is 37 so he will not be able to captain for long unless he is able to play into 40s like Misbah which is possible considering his good fitness.


Add your thoughts, other suggestions, etc!

Who says Rizwan with his current form has sure selection , not at all .

All those potential candidates have more cons than pros, probably with the exception of Shaan , who I think should be the captain.

 

[subshakerz]

The option is only Rizwan.

Yes, his batting form has dipped, but he still averages well over 30 as a keeper and merits selection in all formats.

For those saying he is close to Babar, so what? He clearly has a different mindset, he is popular in the team, has aggressive instincts and is a pressure player. Was a good captain in PSL. He has some clear leadership potential that should be obvious to most cricketer followers.

Babar was always a lost cause. We just have to endure another few months or years of wasted time which could be better spent with a captain who can actually build the team.

 

[Maher96]

Sarfraz in all formats again.

Rizwan just concentrates on batting.

Sarfraz at 4 can be useful in India for the WC.

Bowling with likes of Amir might look more experienced, Umar Akmal if he blows away in the PSL will walk back in too, days off the Kushdil and Ifitkhars are counted. and lower order might look better, Imad at 7 is best suited for ODI.

 

[pak.cricket]

Rizwan has to be the new captain. Although his test Batting record is not stellar but is decent for # 6, Rizwan has courage and a good cricket brain plus he captained Multan Sultan like a Sultan. Fawad Alam needs to get his spot back before even considered for captaincy, not a good choice at 37 . Shan Masood needs to show performance at test level.
It should be a phased change Start from one format rather than removing Babar from all three formats.

Lol you are drunk. Rizwan needs to be dropped from test team. He is not even good enough to be in team and you are making him captain lolz. Joke of the century.

 

[SamNJ]

Babar can captain well with a coach who is good tactically and doesn't give him a free hand on his choices.

 

[pak.cricket]

The option is only Rizwan.

Yes, his batting form has dipped, but he still averages well over 30 as a keeper and merits selection in all formats.

For those saying he is close to Babar, so what? He clearly has a different mindset, he is popular in the team, has aggressive instincts and is a pressure player. Was a good captain in PSL. He has some clear leadership potential that should be obvious to most cricketer followers.

Babar was always a lost cause. We just have to endure another few months or years of wasted time which could be better spent with a captain who can actually build the team.

You are psychopath if you think that rizwan merits a spot in test team lol

 

[pak.cricket]

So , basically Babar is the only option we have. No other player even merits a spot in the team.

 

[pak.cricket]

Babar can captain well with a coach who is good tactically and doesn't give him a free hand on his choices.

Yeah. People are blaming babar as if he lost to England with a team full of world beaters. We need to consider the team that babar got was full of new players.

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

Sarfraz in all formats again.

Rizwan just concentrates on batting.

Sarfraz at 4 can be useful in India for the WC.

Bowling with likes of Amir might look more experienced, Umar Akmal if he blows away in the PSL will walk back in too, days off the Kushdil and Ifitkhars are counted. and lower order might look better, Imad at 7 is best suited for ODI.

Oh god, tough days ahead

 

[pak.cricket]

White Ball - Shadab
Red Ball - Shaheen(do not name until before next test series, let things cool down)

Shaheen Cannot play every mach,therefore, he cannot be a captain.

 

[moghul]

Sarfraz in all formats again.

Rizwan just concentrates on batting.

Sarfraz at 4 can be useful in India for the WC.

Bowling with likes of Amir might look more experienced, Umar Akmal if he blows away in the PSL will walk back in too, days off the Kushdil and Ifitkhars are counted. and lower order might look better, Imad at 7 is best suited for ODI.

Sarfraz ?? why not Misbah ? , if we're going backward.

 

[offstump]

You can’t have both Rizwan and Sarfaraz in the same playing 11 as neither can hold a spot as a pure batsman. Rizwan is rubbish in tests and would be stealing a spot from someone more deserving.

 

[msb314]

Shaheen Cannot play every mach,therefore, he cannot be a captain.

This.

Asking an injury prone fast bowler to be captain is a recipe for disaster…

 

[mon858]

I would make it Shan for tests and Shadab for white ball.
Additionally need new foreign head coach. A combo like Andy flower along with one or 2 locals like Azhar Mahmood or Mohammed Akram, Mushtaq for spin, and a foreign batting fielding coaches can work.

 

[subshakerz]

You are psychopath if you think that rizwan merits a spot in test team lol

You mean the keeper averaging 38 with the bat and only earlier this year scored a matchsaving ton against Australia?

You think two relatively low scoring series is enough to drop someone? That is nuts.

 

[Farah Sohail]

Sethi is more inclined towards Shan Masood for test matches and Imad Wasim for the white ball formats

Shadab is a better option in white ball formats

 

[Ashmal]

To become captain, you have to make the team on merit, can't have a specialist captain.

Both Shan and even Rizwan may find themselves out of the squad by next series, going by their recent form.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Shan Masood for Tests. Let Babar stay-on for limited-overs. But tbh, Shadab is the one who should be leading Pakistan in limited-overs.

 

[Amjid Javed]

sorry but shan masood as captain is just plain dumb.

Is he worth a place in side on merit? No hes not.

Where would he bat? Abduallah and Imam are openers at moment, before anyone says number 3 we have just got rid of a walking wicket in Azhar and you want Shan at 3. All that would do is block a place in team ahead of kamran ghulam etc..

Shan is nothing more then a nepotism / parachi selection. Who cares if he speaks english. Players need to let their bat and captaincy do talking.

Babar is clueless as they come.
Rizwan isnt worth place in side at moment on form alone.
Fawad - Another walking wicket.

Are next WTC includes away series in Aus and SA, We dont need mannequin dummy captains.

 

[pak.cricket]

You mean the keeper averaging 38 with the bat and only earlier this year scored a matchsaving ton against Australia?

You think two relatively low scoring series is enough to drop someone? That is nuts.

He got exposed in the 3rd match of that same series. He is now a walking wicket against any kind of spin or swing. Have a look at his last 10 innings and then ask yourself whether he is good enough or not. Nobody should get a free pass in the team after scoring 100 on a highway pitch.

 

[pak.cricket]

Shan Masood for Tests. Let Babar stay-on for limited-overs. But tbh, Shadab is the one who should be leading Pakistan in limited-overs.

Shan has an average of 29 in tests. He hasn't even performed at international level and you are thinking of making him captain lolll

 

[pak.cricket]

sorry but shan masood as captain is just plain dumb.

Is he worth a place in side on merit? No hes not.

Where would he bat? Abduallah and Imam are openers at moment, before anyone says number 3 we have just got rid of a walking wicket in Azhar and you want Shan at 3. All that would do is block a place in team ahead of kamran ghulam etc..

Shan is nothing more then a nepotism / parachi selection. Who cares if he speaks english. Players need to let their bat and captaincy do talking.

Babar is clueless as they come.
Rizwan isnt worth place in side at moment on form alone.
Fawad - Another walking wicket.

Are next WTC includes away series in Aus and SA, We dont need mannequin dummy captains.

i agree with you. But we babar is the only realistic option we have. just hope that he improves his captaincy skills. A good coach will help him a lot.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Shan has an average of 29 in tests. He hasn't even performed at international level and you are thinking of making him captain lolll

His career average does not tell the complete picture. Since 2018 he has probably averaged in the mid-30s and scored tough runs in places like South Africa, Australia and England. How many other players in the team can claim to have done the same?

He needs to be persisted with instead of discarded after a few matches like just about every other player. If he doesn't work out, he doesn't work out. Atleast he has earned his spot on the back of runs in QeA Cricket and County, and actually has some captaincy experience with Derbyshire.

We also should not underestimate the importance of an articulate individual being captain. I know its not something most Pakistani fans can relate to, but that doesn't mean its not important.

 

[Rana]

His career average does not tell the complete picture. Since 2018 he has probably averaged in the mid-30s and scored tough runs in places like South Africa, Australia and England. How many other players in the team can claim to have done the same?

He needs to be persisted with instead of discarded after a few matches like just about every other player. If he doesn't work out, he doesn't work out. Atleast he has earned his spot on the back of runs in QeA Cricket and County, and actually has some captaincy experience with Derbyshire.

We also should not underestimate the importance of an articulate individual being captain. I know its not something most Pakistani fans can relate to, but that doesn't mean its not important.

So he is articulate because he speaks English? Are you throwing personal insults again?

 

[Amjid Javed]

Shan has an average of 29 in tests. He hasn't even performed at international level and you are thinking of making him captain lolll

Why are you shocked, this is the same guy who Think Azhar Ali is a pakistani batting legend lol.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Just waiting for the " Shan isnt good enough" Thread to be created so that certain clueless poster can harp on about their next mediocre hero.

 

[Rana]

Just waiting for the " Shan isnt good enough" Thread to be created so that certain clueless poster can harp on about their next mediocre hero.

Mate he is articulate. He should be the captain.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Mate he is articulate. He should be the captain.

The fact hes still getting picked in sqaud is a shambles.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Shan is definitely infinitely better as a captain than Babar. He has a brain and is mentally tough. We almost need a specialist captain if he can average 30 its fine.

 

[jupiter2007]

Make Shan a captain of Test Team because he can speak English and he might be in good books with PCB even though he hasn’t impressed anyone with his performance.

Fawad Alam is a water boy of PCB, and lobbyist will never allow him to come back, so forget about it.

IMHO, Sarfaraz is the best option as a Captain for Test cricket,
Rizwan for ODI and T20.
Babar Azam should concentrate on his Batting.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Surprised OP didnt suggest Azhar Ali take back his retirement and become Test captain again )

 

[Plumb]

From the Current Team.. even though he is not doing good in tests but as s fielding captain Rizwan suits the best as he is a thinking person/captain in shorter format. I would take chances with him being Captain in tests.

 

[BetaG]

Surprised OP didnt suggest Azhar Ali take back his retirement and become Test captain again )

Instead of making fun of other people's ideas why don't you add your own? Who do you want as captain then?

 

[Rana]

Surprised OP didnt suggest Azhar Ali take back his retirement and become Test captain again )

OP sounds like a Ramiz Raja PCB board meeting considering the names suggested

 

[Farah Sohail]

Some sports journalists on twitter are saying theres no threat to Babar’s captaincy

 

[Zaz]

Some sports journalists on twitter are saying theres no threat to Babar’s captaincy

Hes definitely under pressure You cant be losing multiple tests and series at home and being throughly outplayed by your opponents

Pakistan look a shambles of a test team under babar with awful selection, no fight, direction or leadership

Fans can take away losses but home should be somewhere where you win most of your matches

Pakistan has lost 2 test series at home in a row, lost 4 tests at home in a row for the first time and been whitewashed at home for the first time

This cant be allowed to continue Lose against NZ and there will be no option but to make a change

My bet would be to take a risk n make imam the test captain

Like i said hes relatively young and has some fight in him unlike babar

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

Feel its a tad unfair to judge Babar against a team that is on turbo with all departments
look at the bowling attack he had -no Afridi, nassim for last 2 tests, no hasan- which pretty much means you are lacking in your main strentgth - ie reverse swing and pace. throw in the pitches, a determined opponent and with the exception of abrar , a nonfunctional spin dept , yikes even yassir shah or shadab would be better than the supporring cast-bit harsh.
against nz a good step to include hasan ali -make the pitches conducive to reverse swing and bounce- u have nz on the mat.

 

[Bewal Express]

There are always options until they come under the microscope and then they aren't. Babar for the moment but if he let's games drift, a tendency that he picked up from AA, then he too will be given his marching orders as captain

 

[Rana]

Feel its a tad unfair to judge Babar against a team that is on turbo with all departments
look at the bowling attack he had -no Afridi, nassim for last 2 tests, no hasan- which pretty much means you are lacking in your main strentgth - ie reverse swing and pace. throw in the pitches, a determined opponent and with the exception of abrar , a nonfunctional spin dept , yikes even yassir shah or shadab would be better than the supporring cast-bit harsh.
against nz a good step to include hasan ali -make the pitches conducive to reverse swing and bounce- u have nz on the mat.

Whose fault is it that Shaheen got injured and Rizwan has burned out?

 

[Saj]

Looks like it will be play the 2 Tests against NZ and then take stock of where they are with Babar.

Lose 2-0 and he is in trouble.

 

[Mamoon]

His career average does not tell the complete picture. Since 2018 he has probably averaged in the mid-30s and scored tough runs in places like South Africa, Australia and England. How many other players in the team can claim to have done the same?

He needs to be persisted with instead of discarded after a few matches like just about every other player. If he doesn't work out, he doesn't work out. Atleast he has earned his spot on the back of runs in QeA Cricket and County, and actually has some captaincy experience with Derbyshire.

We also should not underestimate the importance of an articulate individual being captain. I know it’s not something most Pakistani fans can relate to, but that doesn't mean it’s not important.

Career average doesn’t tell the whole story, okay, but what story do the last 6 Test matches tell?

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Career average doesn’t tell the whole story, okay, but what story do the last 6 Test matches tell?

Nothing. I just don't like Agha Salman as a player. There is no statistical or factual basis behind my opinion.

Unlike you though, I have the guts to admit that I have an agenda against him. And don't feel the need to play mental gymnastics just to justify my nonsensical arguments when I have been proven wrong.

 

[Mamoon]

Nothing. I just don't like Agha Salman as a player. There is no statistical or factual basis behind my opinion.

Unlike you though, I have the guts to admit that I have an agenda against him. And don't feel the need to play mental gymnastics just to justify my nonsensical arguments when I have been proven wrong.

I was quoting your post on Mr. Zero Talent Shan Masood not Salman.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I was quoting your post on Mr. Zero Talent Shan Masood not Salman.

You should learn to be a little more clear and articulate.

Also, Shan Masood since 2018 has played 15 tests, not 6. 10 of which were in SENA.

 

[shaz619]

You should learn to be a little more clear and articulate.

Also, Shan Masood since 2018 has played 15 tests, not 6. 10 of which were in SENA.

He seems like a strong candidate, especially if they bring back Arthur. When you watch him bat, he doesn’t inspire confidence in terms of consistency (he is capable of a big knock every now and then), he has failed in the last three innings on good wickets. Maybe captaincy brings more out of some players, but opening is challenging as is and it would shock me if he turned out to be the guy Pakistan needed. Ignoring his actual batting, he is probably the most qualified for the role but in Pak, if you’re not an automatic selection to begin with as Pakistan captain, it’s a disaster waiting to happen

 

[Mamoon]

Shan Masood for Tests. Let Babar stay-on for limited-overs. But tbh, Shadab is the one who should be leading Pakistan in limited-overs.

Shan has an average of 29 in tests. He hasn't even performed at international level and you are thinking of making him captain lolll

His career average does not tell the complete picture. Since 2018 he has probably averaged in the mid-30s and scored tough runs in places like South Africa, Australia and England. How many other players in the team can claim to have done the same?

He needs to be persisted with instead of discarded after a few matches like just about every other player. If he doesn't work out, he doesn't work out. Atleast he has earned his spot on the back of runs in QeA Cricket and County, and actually has some captaincy experience with Derbyshire.

We also should not underestimate the importance of an articulate individual being captain. I know its not something most Pakistani fans can relate to, but that doesn't mean its not important.

Career average doesn’t tell the whole story, okay, but what story do the last 6 Test matches tell?

Nothing. I just don't like Agha Salman as a player. There is no statistical or factual basis behind my opinion.

Unlike you though, I have the guts to admit that I have an agenda against him. And don't feel the need to play mental gymnastics just to justify my nonsensical arguments when I have been proven wrong.

You should learn to be a little more clear and articulate.

Also, Shan Masood since 2018 has played 15 tests, not 6. 10 of which were in SENA.

Please follow the posts. It couldn’t be anymore clear that I was talking about Masood.

I have no idea how you diverted to Agha Salman out of nowhere. Did you even check the thread title?

The sheer irony of you blaming me for being unclear & inarticulate

Even a 5 year old can see that my post had nothing to do with Agha Salman.

As far as Masood is concerned, the narrative that his career average doesn’t tell a story & that he is a much improved batsman goes out of the window when you look at the fact that he has averaged 9 in his last 6 Tests.

Career average of 29 after 27 Tests & average of 9 in the last 6 Tests tell a crystal clear story: he is a pathetic batsman who should be nowhere near the team & anyone vouching for him to become the captain has no idea what he is talking about. It is a complete joke.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

He seems like a strong candidate, especially if they bring back Arthur. When you watch him bat, he doesn’t inspire confidence in terms of consistency (he is capable of a big knock every now and then), he has failed in the last three innings on good wickets. Maybe captaincy brings more out of some players, but opening is challenging as is and it would shock me if he turned out to be the guy Pakistan needed. Ignoring his actual batting, he is probably the most qualified for the role but in Pak, if you’re not an automatic selection to begin with as Pakistan captain, it’s a disaster waiting to happen

I think he is better than his numbers suggest. I'm not saying he is vastly talented or the next great Pakistan test batting star but he has improved significantly since returning to the team in 2018. Unfortunately he has gotten too many start-stop pushes. And was not backed during the rough patches, even though he delivered more than most in challenging conditions.

His dismissals in the last 3 innings have been shocking to say the least. And I'm not even going to try to defend them. But at this point in time there are not many batters in the Pakistan system that are knocking down the door of selection. And he has performed well-enough in domestic and County to be given an extended run in the side.

If he doesn't deliver then you can drop him. But atleast give him a proper chance, instead of dropping him again after one bad series like last time.

As far as captaincy is concerned there is obviously no one better. But unfortunately you can't have a Mike Brearly in this day and age, so he will have to step up and deliver with the bat.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Please follow the posts. It couldn’t be anymore clear that I was talking about Masood.

I have no idea how you diverted to Agha Salman out of nowhere. Did you even check the thread title?

The sheer irony of you blaming me for being unclear & inarticulate

Even a 5 year old can see that my post had nothing to do with Agha Salman.

As far as Masood is concerned, the narrative that his career average doesn’t tell a story & that he is a much improved batsman goes out of the window when you look at the fact that he has averaged 9 in his last 6 Tests.

Career average of 29 after 27 Tests & average of 9 in the last 6 Tests tell a crystal clear story: he is a pathetic batsman who should be nowhere near the team & anyone vouching for him to become the captain has no idea what he is talking about. It is a complete joke.

Maybe if you had been more clear and articulate you wouldn't need to quote all these posts. Try being more articulate and to the point next time so you don't have to give such long-winded justifications.

I think you have trouble reading. I made it fairly clear that I was talking about his form since 2018 onwards. No idea why you shoehorned "the last 6 tests into the argument"...probably because that's how far your agenda stretched...6 test matches.

 

[IMMY69]

If he's fit, and over his knee issues, my choice for captaincy would be Shaheen Shah Afridi

 

[Mamoon]

Maybe if you had been more clear and articulate you wouldn't need to quote all these posts. Try being more articulate and to the point next time so you don't have to give such long-winded justifications.

I couldn’t be anymore clear. No person in this thread before you mentioned Agha Salman.

You brought up Masood’s captaincy credentials. Another poster mentioned his career average. You replied by saying that Masood’s career average doesn’t tell the whole story.

In reply to that, I brought up Masood’s last 6 Tests & for no reason, you confused it with Salman Agha.

It is obvious that you got confused between this & the Salman Agha thread & now you are finding creative ways to cover up your embarrassment.

This was the biggest comprehension fail we have ever seen on this forum & you know it.

I think you have trouble reading.

No that is you. You confused Masood & Salman Agha for no reason & you know it. The biggest comprehension fail we have ever seen on this forum.

It will be better if you put your hand up & say “my bad” instead of digging & making it more embarrassing.

Please pinpoint the part that confused you & gave you the impression that I was talking about Salman Agha. You cannot because it was your fault for getting confused between two different threads & not reading properly.

I made it fairly clear that I was talking about his form since 2018 onwards. No idea why you shoehorned "the last 6 tests into the argument"...probably because that's how far your agenda stretched...6 test matches.

I don’t need an agenda to prove that Masood has had a crap Test career. The numbers don’t lie.

The post 2018 argument doesn’t have any legs either when he is averaging 32.75 post 2018 & has averaged 9 in his last 6 Tests.

The last 6 Tests are also part of post 2018. Why should it be ignored?

He has very mediocre numbers post 2018 too & this is supposed to be his peak. It couldn’t be more obvious that he is a shockingly poor batsman who should not be in the team let alone captain.

The only agenda is pushing for Masood to become captain because apart from speaking English, he has done nothing as a player & as a performer to deserve this honor.

 

[zarak]

Sarfraz in all formats again.

Rizwan just concentrates on batting.

Sarfraz at 4 can be useful in India for the WC.

Bowling with likes of Amir might look more experienced, Umar Akmal if he blows away in the PSL will walk back in too, days off the Kushdil and Ifitkhars are counted. and lower order might look better, Imad at 7 is best suited for ODI.

He is terrible keeper. He made 80 runs and fluffed a chance that has already cost us 80.

 

[coooolali]

Considering apart from Babar only Shaheen walks into to the test team automatically, thats the only possible option for captaincy.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Are there any successful domestic captains not in their forties?.

That would be the Mike Brearley captain

 

[Bewal Express]

He is terrible keeper. He made 80 runs and fluffed a chance that has already cost us 80.

He isn't terrible but age catches up with everyone.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I couldn’t be anymore clear. No person in this thread before you mentioned Agha Salman.

You brought up Masood’s captaincy credentials. Another poster mentioned his career average. You replied by saying that Masood’s career average doesn’t tell the whole story.

In reply to that, I brought up Masood’s last 6 Tests & for no reason, you confused it with Salman Agha.

It is obvious that you got confused between this & the Salman Agha thread & now you are finding creative ways to cover up your embarrassment.

This was the biggest comprehension fail we have ever seen on this forum & you know it.



No that is you. You confused Masood & Salman Agha for no reason & you know it. The biggest comprehension fail we have ever seen on this forum.

It will be better if you put your hand up & say “my bad” instead of digging & making it more embarrassing.

Please pinpoint the part that confused you & gave you the impression that I was talking about Salman Agha. You cannot because it was your fault for getting confused between two different threads & not reading properly.



I don’t need an agenda to prove that Masood has had a crap Test career. The numbers don’t lie.

The post 2018 argument doesn’t have any legs either when he is averaging 32.75 post 2018 & has averaged 9 in his last 6 Tests.

The last 6 Tests are also part of post 2018. Why should it be ignored?

He has very mediocre numbers post 2018 too & this is supposed to be his peak. It couldn’t be more obvious that he is a shockingly poor batsman who should not be in the team let alone captain.

The only agenda is pushing for Masood to become captain because apart from speaking English, he has done nothing as a player & as a performer to deserve this honor.

You know what I do, when I'm articulate and to-the-point? Spend 8+ paragraphs trying to justify how I was articulate and to-the-point.

Except I don't. Nobody does.

Stopped reading after the first couple of lines because it read like a rehash of the same claptrap you've already said.

Shan Masood hasn't even played 2 tests since returning to the team yet. Which is why its absolutely ludicrous for anyone to get their pitchforks out. Unless ofcourse they have a pre-existing agenda against him and and dislike him unconditionally. if he fails to deliver after an extended run in the test team then you can discard him. But 1.5 test matches is not enough to judge anyone.

And that's how much test cricket he has played since earning a recall on the back of consistent performances in domestic and county cricket.

 

[Saj]

Why do people suggest Shadab Khan as a Test captain?

The guy has played 17 FC matches in 6 and a half years and hasn't played a FC match since August 2020.

 

[Mamoon]

You know what I do, when I'm articulate and to-the-point? Spend 8+ paragraphs trying to justify how I was articulate and to-the-point.

Except I don't. Nobody does.

Stopped reading after the first couple of lines because it read like a rehash of the same claptrap you've already said.

You were so slow to pick on something so simple that I had no choice but write an essay to help you. You are welcome. Anyway, it was expected after the biggest comprehension fail in PP history.

Shan Masood hasn't even played 2 tests since returning to the team yet. Which is why it’s absolutely ludicrous for anyone to get their pitchforks out. Unless ofcourse they have a pre-existing agenda against him and and dislike him unconditionally. if he fails to deliver after an extended run in the test team then you can discard him. But 1.5 test matches is not enough to judge anyone.

And that's how much test cricket he has played since earning a recall on the back of consistent performances in domestic and county cricket.

It is not 2015 anymore. It is 2022. Everyone has seen enough of Masood over the years to conclude that he is not good enough for this level. He should stick to County Division Two which is his level.

 

[shaz619]

Why do people suggest Shadab Khan as a Test captain?

The guy has played 17 FC matches in 6 and a half years and hasn't played a FC match since August 2020.

Shadab himself has no interest in FC cricket or playing Tests

 

[gibsyhesperis]

Why do people suggest Shadab Khan as a Test captain?

The guy has played 17 FC matches in 6 and a half years and hasn't played a FC match since August 2020.

I guess because there are so few credible alternatives, people tend to turn to the less credible (if not frankly, incredible).

In Pakistan (well, in most countries) the captain has to hold his place as a player -- that is really only Babar or Shaheen.
Given Shaheen's workload as a fast bowler (and his fitness challenges) not sure that makes sense.

I guess desperate times call for desperate measures.....the absence of an alternative is a true indictment of the system

 

[Concerned]

Unless Pakistan will bring a player in the side to be the specialist captain there are no viable options.

 

[JibranAnsari]

pakistan have no other options at the moment.

We have to be content with babar azam.
He is the only player in the team who is a sure starter in first 11.

Abdullah shafique still making his place.
same goes for imam , saud , salman agha , shan masood , abrar and others.

sarfraz is making his comeback and rizwan hasnt scored a 50 in test cricket for last 12 innings.
Shaheen shah isnt fit.

i wonder what options do we have

 

[Ashmal]

Need to bring in a proper coach who can guide Babar, as there's no other alternative.

 

[Markhor]

pakistan have no other options at the moment.

We have to be content with babar azam.
He is the only player in the team who is a sure starter in first 11.

Abdullah shafique still making his place.
same goes for imam , saud , salman agha , shan masood , abrar and others.

sarfraz is making his comeback and rizwan hasnt scored a 50 in test cricket for last 12 innings.
Shaheen shah isnt fit.

i wonder what options do we have

Shaheen is the best candidate. His fitness record was excellent prior to PCB's bungling. We've had years of appointing batting captains, maybe it's time we go back to a bowler captain.

 

[JibranAnsari]

Shaheen is the best candidate. His fitness record was excellent prior to PCB's bungling. We've had years of appointing batting captains, maybe it's time we go back to a bowler captain.

he needs to get fit first. May be lead in odis to see if it affects his bowling. Shaheen is our most precious asset , pakistan have no fast good fast bowlers coming up.

 

[James]

If Babar is replaced, one gets the sense that Sarfaraz might be near the front of the queue.

Would purely be a stop gap option of course.

 

[Bewal Express]

Shaheen is the best candidate. His fitness record was excellent prior to PCB's bungling. We've had years of appointing batting captains, maybe it's time we go back to a bowler captain.

Bowlers generally don't make good captain. It's the reason we see so few. When the tactics hit the buffers, instinctively they want to bowl. Babar has shown to be pretty limited mainly because of the defensive cricket culture he has grown up in but he still remains the best option. Someone like Saud could start to dream if he gets scores under his belt

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Bowlers generally don't make good captain. It's the reason we see so few. When the tactics hit the buffers, instinctively they want to bowl. Babar has shown to be pretty limited mainly because of the defensive cricket culture he has grown up in but he still remains the best option. Someone like Saud could start to dream if he gets scores under his belt

I think the main reason quicks aren’t made captain is because of the workload. If you’re captain then you’re playing every test, and if you’re already an all format player like Shaheen, it’s a no-no. This is why I was incredibly surprised when Oz made Cummings the captain.

Having seen Saudi’s captaincy for Sindh and the Shaheens, I’m afraid he isn’t an improvement on Babar. I believe that Shan would make the best captain, not because he’s an articulate guy but because:

He’s a mentally tough guy. Throughout his career he’s been accused of being a beneficiary of nepotism, been dropped multiple times, and has even lost a close sibling. Yet he keeps coming back. That shows character.

He’s reinvented his own game, thus clearly is a thinking cricketer.

He’s captained previously, having led both Derbyshire and Multan.

I fully, fully understand that he doesn’t deserve a place in the team because of his off colour form.

However, if he can make Pakistan more than the sum of its parts and be more effective tactically, perhaps the strength of his captaincy may negate the weakness of his own form. It’ll also free Babar up, who, despite his good scores here and there, is playing with the burden of captaincy on his shoulders.

Look, the choices aren’t great, but I don’t think Shan is the worst pick as captain.

 

[Bewal Express]

I think the main reason quicks aren’t made captain is because of the workload. If you’re captain then you’re playing every test, and if you’re already an all format player like Shaheen, it’s a no-no. This is why I was incredibly surprised when Oz made Cummings the captain.

Having seen Saudi’s captaincy for Sindh and the Shaheens, I’m afraid he isn’t an improvement on Babar. I believe that Shan would make the best captain, not because he’s an articulate guy but because:

He’s a mentally tough guy. Throughout his career he’s been accused of being a beneficiary of nepotism, been dropped multiple times, and has even lost a close sibling. Yet he keeps coming back. That shows character.

He’s reinvented his own game, thus clearly is a thinking cricketer.

He’s captained previously, having led both Derbyshire and Multan.

I fully, fully understand that he doesn’t deserve a place in the team because of his off colour form.

However, if he can make Pakistan more than the sum of its parts and be more effective tactically, perhaps the strength of his captaincy may negate the weakness of his own form. It’ll also free Babar up, who, despite his good scores here and there, is playing with the burden of captaincy on his shoulders.

Look, the choices aren’t great, but I don’t think Shan is the worst pick as captain.

But any guy that makes him captain will look a total numpty because Shan has no credit in the bank. Shan has to score runs otherwise its just an academic debate

 

[shariqnoor]

Pakistan needs a bowler to become a captain to get rid of these insane pitches at home. The only credible captaincy candidate is Shaheen Afridi but I don't think he'll be back to Test cricket for another 6 months at least.

There is literally no one to pass the captaincy around to. The only outlier I can possibly think is Imam, but again his spot in the Test team isn't secure by any means.

 

[shariqnoor]

I think the main reason quicks aren’t made captain is because of the workload. If you’re captain then you’re playing every test, and if you’re already an all format player like Shaheen, it’s a no-no. This is why I was incredibly surprised when Oz made Cummings the captain.

Having seen Saudi’s captaincy for Sindh and the Shaheens, I’m afraid he isn’t an improvement on Babar. I believe that Shan would make the best captain, not because he’s an articulate guy but because:

He’s a mentally tough guy. Throughout his career he’s been accused of being a beneficiary of nepotism, been dropped multiple times, and has even lost a close sibling. Yet he keeps coming back. That shows character.

He’s reinvented his own game, thus clearly is a thinking cricketer.

He’s captained previously, having led both Derbyshire and Multan.

I fully, fully understand that he doesn’t deserve a place in the team because of his off colour form.

However, if he can make Pakistan more than the sum of its parts and be more effective tactically, perhaps the strength of his captaincy may negate the weakness of his own form. It’ll also free Babar up, who, despite his good scores here and there, is playing with the burden of captaincy on his shoulders.

Look, the choices aren’t great, but I don’t think Shan is the worst pick as captain.

Shan's captaincy is a joke. Multan Sultans had to remove him from captaincy and let Rizwan take over and we saw the immediate improvement in results.

 

[shariqnoor]

Shadab could be given the Test captaincy. I'm sure he'd be delighted to return to Test cricket as a captain.

 

[TheSultan]

The argument for Shan was really up to him. He probably didn’t have to do much to be the leading candidate. Even if he had averaged 30 in his last 6 matches that probably would have been enough.

But to average 9 in 6 matches, you have no one to blame but yourself.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

But any guy that makes him captain will look a total numpty because Shan has no credit in the bank. Shan has to score runs otherwise its just an academic debate

This is fair enough. The giant elephant in the room is indeed his actual contribution