I was reading some immense criticism of Shan Masood on some forums, so thought to pull out some statistics on how Pakistani batsmen have done in 2 tough tours . . 3 tests in SA and 2 tests in Aus . . I put the cut off at 3 or more test matches to have a decent sample size
Here are some hard facts!
1.) Babar Azam - 5 Matches - 431 Runs - Avg 43.1
2.) Shan Masood - 5 Matches - 384 Runs - Avg 38.4
3.) Asad Shafiq - 5 Matches - 328 Runs - Avg 32.8
4.) Yasir Shah - 4 Matches - 113 Runs - Avg 26
5.) Imam ul Haq - 4 Matches - 151 Runs - Avg 18.9
6.) Sarfaraz Ahmad - 3 Matches - 112 Runs - Avg 18.7
7.) Azhar Ali - 5 Matches - 121 Runs - Avg 12.1
Make of them what you will . .
Some observations from my end:
Shan doesn't look to be a problem! Bigger problems in the team . . especially given SA and Aus aren't easy places to open the batting! These statistics also don't take into account the time he has spent in the middle to blunt out the new ball . . less said the better on what's been happening on the other end . .
I have already done a post on Azhar Ali averaging under 25 in the last 2 years . . for those who sell a temporary loss in form are completely BSing!
Asad shafiq . . less said the better . . this series didn't even have the customary one big innings of the series!
Haris needs to be batting at 6 instead of Iftikhar . . If not Haris, then clearly someone better than Iftikhar . . Maybe good time to induct a Saud Shakil or someone?
Imam has now played 11 test matches . . averages 25! decent sample size .. I am okay to give him a longer run if they believe he has the potential! but then tell him . . you're in our starting line up for the next 6 or 7 test matches . . don't chop and change! give him the confidence . . same with Shan . . otherwise bring in Sami or whoever ground breaking opener we have waiting in the wings who will do GREAT in SA and Aus!
But yea! Here is the performance! Btw, absolutely GREAT to see Yasir Shah at 4! I am sure some of the batsmen in the team would be ashamed . . or would they be?!
Here are some hard facts!
1.) Babar Azam - 5 Matches - 431 Runs - Avg 43.1
2.) Shan Masood - 5 Matches - 384 Runs - Avg 38.4
3.) Asad Shafiq - 5 Matches - 328 Runs - Avg 32.8
4.) Yasir Shah - 4 Matches - 113 Runs - Avg 26
5.) Imam ul Haq - 4 Matches - 151 Runs - Avg 18.9
6.) Sarfaraz Ahmad - 3 Matches - 112 Runs - Avg 18.7
7.) Azhar Ali - 5 Matches - 121 Runs - Avg 12.1
Make of them what you will . .
Some observations from my end:
Shan doesn't look to be a problem! Bigger problems in the team . . especially given SA and Aus aren't easy places to open the batting! These statistics also don't take into account the time he has spent in the middle to blunt out the new ball . . less said the better on what's been happening on the other end . .
I have already done a post on Azhar Ali averaging under 25 in the last 2 years . . for those who sell a temporary loss in form are completely BSing!
Asad shafiq . . less said the better . . this series didn't even have the customary one big innings of the series!
Haris needs to be batting at 6 instead of Iftikhar . . If not Haris, then clearly someone better than Iftikhar . . Maybe good time to induct a Saud Shakil or someone?
Imam has now played 11 test matches . . averages 25! decent sample size .. I am okay to give him a longer run if they believe he has the potential! but then tell him . . you're in our starting line up for the next 6 or 7 test matches . . don't chop and change! give him the confidence . . same with Shan . . otherwise bring in Sami or whoever ground breaking opener we have waiting in the wings who will do GREAT in SA and Aus!
But yea! Here is the performance! Btw, absolutely GREAT to see Yasir Shah at 4! I am sure some of the batsmen in the team would be ashamed . . or would they be?!