[REPORTS] Sarfaraz Ahmed's days as Pakistan's Test captain over

[Abdullah719]

Azhar Ali doesn't even warrant a place in the side and the PCB are going to make him captain.

Ehsan Mani is an incompetent individual. A big mistake from Imran Khan to appoint him as the Chairman of the PCB.

Too many reports, take them with a bucket of salt.

 

[Usman Chadda]

"modest returns" lol

He was the best batsman in the series - if you don't believe me, refer to the attachment in post 31.

Shan Masood's technique on the front and back foot is better than Azhar's ever was, but anyway I'm not talking about what they have achieved to date. I'm looking at the present options and Azhar Ali is simply way beyond his sell-by-date, as evident by his struggles in county cricket this season.

He's finished and it would be beyond absurd if you would even think about picking him over Shan Masood from here on in.

[MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION] Masood had an average of 38, with a highest score of 65. Two half-centuries in six innings. Those are modest stats at best.

Azhar might have lost form in the recent past, but there's no doubt he remains our most experienced Test batsman with match-winning knocks for Pakistan.

Also Haris and Babar are better test batsmen than Shan Masood, if we're talking about strictly potential here.

 

[Hasan123]

Shan Masood is far from perfect. But I'll be honest I am fine with Sarfraz. I want something different . If that's Shan Masood I'll be fully behind. He is a hard worker and obviously can communicate. He has work to do on his batting, but I think he has shown signs of improving.

I am ready to give Shan Masood a chance. If it doesn't work out , he will be replaced. Don't understand why people are going crazy over his potential appointment. The current test skipper lost in UAE to "minnows Sri Lanka " and New Zealand. We can't get any worse that .

But keep Azhar Ali away from captaincy. He needs to be moved on. If he was actually performing I would not mind him being made captain. But he is past his best . Being made captain will only extend his career. Also making him captain just shows PCB don't really care about test cricket.

 

[the Great Khan]

We should see if Miandad wants the cuptaany I'd take home over shan masood..

 

[silent ischemia]

[MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION] Masood had an average of 38, with a highest score of 65. Two half-centuries in six innings. Those are modest stats at best.

Azhar might have lost form in the recent past, but there's no doubt he remains our most experienced Test batsman with match-winning knocks for Pakistan.

Also Haris and Babar are better test batsmen than Shan Masood, if we're talking about strictly potential here.

The mere fact that Azhar could not play a single attacking shot against NZ in an attempt to win the third Test is enough to prove that he is not the man for the job

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Shan Masood is far from perfect. But I'll be honest I am fine with Sarfraz. I want something different . If that's Shan Masood I'll be fully behind. He is a hard worker and obviously can communicate. He has work to do on his batting, but I think he has shown signs of improving.

I am ready to give Shan Masood a chance. If it doesn't work out , he will be replaced. Don't understand why people are going crazy over his potential appointment. The current test skipper lost in UAE to "minnows Sri Lanka " and New Zealand. We can't get any worse that .

But keep Azhar Ali away from captaincy. He needs to be moved on. If he was actually performing I would not mind him being made captain. But he is past his best . Being made captain will only extend his career. Also making him captain just shows PCB don't really care about test cricket.

Wait why are you fine with sarfraz? I thought you did not like him at all

 

[Hasan]

No change, Inshallah!

 

[DrSchultz]

Is there anything more shameful than losing home series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand?

 

[MenInG]

Managing Director PCB, Waseem Khan said Sarfraz Ahmed’s future as Pakistan cricket team’s captain will not be discussed during PCB Cricket Committee meeting on August 2.

According to Khan, Pakistan’s next assignment is against Sri Lanka, which will take place at the end of September later this year.

“The series against Sri Lanka is at the end of September, we are not in a hurry to decide captain’s fate,” said MD PCB.

There were news that the PCB has decided to remove Sarfaraz from Test captaincy and have nominated Shan Masood to lead Pakistan in Test Cricket.

However, Khan said that the agenda of the meeting will be to see the performance of coaching and support staff along with the selection committee and then take a decision for their future.

Pakistan had a disastrous start to their World Cup campaign, followed by an impressive performance against England and then disappointing show against India and Australia. At the end, they got the fifth rank in the World Cup. He believes Pakistan team’s performance is mediocre and they lack consistency.

https://arysports.tv/sarfrazs-future-decided-august-2/

 

[Usman Chadda]

The mere fact that Azhar could not play a single attacking shot against NZ in an attempt to win the third Test is enough to prove that he is not the man for the job

I don't believe Azhar should be made captain now, that ship has long sailed. PCB looking to shoot itself in the foot again, but what can we do.

I brought up Azhar's name when [MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION] said Shan Masood is Pakistan's best test batsman based on one series. Ignoring the fact that Haris and Babar are better players potential wise, while a bad year doesn't make Azhar a useless cricketer (even though I myself have been extremely harsh on him in the recent past).

 

[Amjid Javed]

[MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION] Masood had an average of 38, with a highest score of 65. Two half-centuries in six innings. Those are modest stats at best.

Azhar might have lost form in the recent past, but there's no doubt he remains our most experienced Test batsman with match-winning knocks for Pakistan.

Also Haris and Babar are better test batsmen than Shan Masood, if we're talking about strictly potential here.

Azhars been poor for 18 months, thats a bit more than loss of form, add to that since Misbah/YK retired hes won us no matches. needs to be dropped for good.

 

[Mir jibran]

Azhar ali likely to be appointed Pakistan's test captain with Babar as deputy

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering to choose Azhar Ali as captain of the Test team in place of Sarfaraz Ahmed, while letting the current skipper to continue as the captain of the One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20I sides.

In addition, Mickey Arthur is likely to serve as the head coach of Pakistan till the Twenty20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin next year. As per media reports, the decision comes after initial consultation by the PCB for the head coach and Test captain. Azhar will most likely become Pakistan’s Test captain again, while Mickey’s contract is likely to be extended till next year’s Twenty20 World Cup.

The decision was taken to reduce the burden on Sarfaraz, who will continue to lead Pakistan in the limited formats, whereas, Pakistan top order batsman Babar Azam is likely to be appointed as the vice-captain in all three formats, as the board eyes to groom Babar for the future.
https://www.brecorder.com/2019/07/3...azam-as-deputy/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

 

[NauV]

Oh my god!! this is horrible on ALL fronts! Would take Shan Masood over Azhar Ali any day, any time! And would take anyone over Sarfaraz in ODIs!

I am okay with Mickey carrying on though

 

[KyoOne]

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering to choose Azhar Ali as captain of the Test team in place of Sarfaraz Ahmed, while letting the current skipper to continue as the captain of the One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20I sides.

In addition, Mickey Arthur is likely to serve as the head coach of Pakistan till the Twenty20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin next year. As per media reports, the decision comes after initial consultation by the PCB for the head coach and Test captain. Azhar will most likely become Pakistan’s Test captain again, while Mickey’s contract is likely to be extended till next year’s Twenty20 World Cup.

The decision was taken to reduce the burden on Sarfaraz, who will continue to lead Pakistan in the limited formats, whereas, Pakistan top order batsman Babar Azam is likely to be appointed as the vice-captain in all three formats, as the board eyes to groom Babar for the future.
https://www.brecorder.com/2019/07/3...azam-as-deputy/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

That'll be curtains for our test championship and World T20 aspirations!

Mickey's been beyond horrible, so has been Sarfraz. Azhar Ali does not possess good captaincy acumen, is on his last legs, and he'll keep his buddies Sarfraz and Shafiq in the team without any scrutiny.

 

[topspin]

Wait why are you fine with sarfraz? I thought you did not like him at all

Too many reports, take them with a bucket of salt.

Given PCB's track record and preference for seniors (of late since Misbah was captain in 2010), this seems quite realistic.

Some rumours are easy to see to overlook, but I'm 80% sure this is pretty accurate, unless the PCB has a last minute change of heart.

 

[topspin]

[MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION] Masood had an average of 38, with a highest score of 65. Two half-centuries in six innings. Those are modest stats at best.

Azhar might have lost form in the recent past, but there's no doubt he remains our most experienced Test batsman with match-winning knocks for Pakistan.

Also Haris and Babar are better test batsmen than Shan Masood, if we're talking about strictly potential here.

You need to learn to put stats into context. Shan's average of 38 came against a world class pace attack and on perhaps the most bowling friendly wickets on Earth.

Only two batsmen in the series managed to average over 50: Hashim Amla and Quintin de Kock. The former actually scored less runs than Shan (in the same no. of innings) but his averaged was boosted by two not out scores. Quintin de Kock deserves full credit for his batting display, however lets not forget (unlike the Pakistani batsmen), they were up against an inferior pace attack, including two toothless bowling performances from our best two test pacers in 2018 (Hasan Ali and Abbas), who both averaged in the mid 40s with the ball.

To further illustrate the difference in quality between the two the pace attacks, South African's two best bowlers (Olivier and Rabada) both averaged under 20 in the series. Conversely, none of Pakistan's bowlers (who played a minimum of two tests in the series) managed to accomplish this.

When you factor in the information provided in the overview (above), that average of 38 is worth a lot more than what it is at face value. In typical batting friendly conditions of the modern era and against a more mid-rated pace attack, this average probably equates to a figure in excess of 50.

Even the SA commentators in the last test made it clear they were most impressed by Shan Masood's batting in the side.

To think Azhar Ali makes the test XI on merit, let alone a potential match winner (as you have implied) is beyond delusional, I have to say. I have caught you out a number of times with your poor recall and outlandish claims in the past such as "Australia were favourites going into the 2011 WC", "Australia's main wicket keeper in the 90s wasn't Ian Healey" and you're doing the same here in regards to Azhar Ali.

Our best test opener technically and form wise are Shan Masood. If he can go to SA and face the new ball against a quality bowling attack, you can't be some mug with the bat.

The way you're belittling Shan Masood's achievements does make me wonder whether you have some sort of agenda here, but I guess time will only tell.

 

[topspin]

The mere fact that Azhar could not play a single attacking shot against NZ in an attempt to win the third Test is enough to prove that he is not the man for the job

I don't believe Azhar should be made captain now, that ship has long sailed. PCB looking to shoot itself in the foot again, but what can we do.

I brought up Azhar's name when [MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION] said Shan Masood is Pakistan's best test batsman based on one series. Ignoring the fact that Haris and Babar are better players potential wise, while a bad year doesn't make Azhar a useless cricketer (even though I myself have been extremely harsh on him in the recent past).

[MENTION=1650]Usman Chadda[/MENTION] I never claimed Shan Masood is Pakistan's best test batsman in the side. Either you have comprehension issues or you're making this up - so I'd appreciate you retract this.

Instead what I actually said was:

1. He is Pakistan's best test opener and this is evident from his technical ability on the front and back foot
2. He was Pakistan's best batsman in SA, as he was the leading run scorer and averaged the highest for the side against a quality pace attack

[MENTION=133745]silent ischemia[/MENTION] you will have to excuse his memory loss at times

 

[MRSN]

If PCB doesn't sack Sarfraz then I will officially boycott Pakistan cricket. It's waste of time to see a lobby backed player leading Pakistan team with zero individual performance, lack of leadership and poor belly.

It's also one of reason why my interest in Pakistan cricket has gone down off late.

 

[MRSN]

There should be accountability for mediocre players. You can't keep them for the sake of consistency. That's pure nonsense.

 

[Hasan123]

Wait why are you fine with sarfraz? I thought you did not like him at all

Typo error. I want Sarfaraz gone. I don’t mind if Shan replaces him.

 

[Hasan123]

Shan Masood is far from perfect. But I'll be honest I am fine with Sarfraz. I want something different . If that's Shan Masood I'll be fully behind. He is a hard worker and obviously can communicate. He has work to do on his batting, but I think he has shown signs of improving.

I am ready to give Shan Masood a chance. If it doesn't work out , he will be replaced. Don't understand why people are going crazy over his potential appointment. The current test skipper lost in UAE to "minnows Sri Lanka " and New Zealand. We can't get any worse that .

But keep Azhar Ali away from captaincy. He needs to be moved on. If he was actually performing I would not mind him being made captain. But he is past his best . Being made captain will only extend his career. Also making him captain just shows PCB don't really care about test cricket.

*fine with Shan

 

[Roaring40s]

Babar will need some time to learn the ropes. It doesn't matter whether you make him captain in 2019 or 2021.

You guys have been already losing enough to not care about short term results. Sarfaraz lost home series against the likes of Sri Lanka and New Zealand drawing a very weak Oz. Away also Pakistan are only playing well in England.

Make Babar captain, he will lose some while learning but what I have seen so far is he adapts quickly. Which other player has all of the following factors in his favor?
1. He is a permanent fixture in all three formats. Pakistan's only automatic selection regardless of conditions, opposition or situation.
2. He is the most valuable player(not only batsman) of the team in all three formats.
3. He is very aggressive. His sometimes pathetic strike rate is due to his inability to take singles of most balls. Don't worry, he'll improve.
4. He is so consistent, other batsmen can play around him.
5. Whatever insider info has been leaked about the team, he doesn't seem to be part of any group. Gets along fine with all the players.

 

[Roaring40s]

Babar will need some time to learn the ropes. It doesn't matter whether you make him captain in 2019 or 2021.

You guys have been already losing enough to not care about short term results. Sarfaraz lost home series against the likes of Sri Lanka and New Zealand drawing a very weak Oz. Away also Pakistan are only playing well in England.

Make Babar captain, he will lose some while learning but what I have seen so far is he adapts quickly. Which other player has all of the following factors in his favor?
1. He is a permanent fixture in all three formats. Pakistan's only automatic selection regardless of conditions, opposition or situation.
2. He is the most valuable player(not only batsman) of the team in all three formats.
3. He is very aggressive. His sometimes pathetic strike rate is due to his inability to take singles of most balls. Don't worry, he'll improve.
4. He is so consistent, other batsmen can play around him.
5. Whatever insider info has been leaked about the team, he doesn't seem to be part of any group. Gets along fine with all the players.

More...
6. Cleanest Character.
7. Very fit compared to somebody like Haris
8. Nobody can blame him for being a "parchee". Earned his place the hard way.

 

[topspin]

I don't believe Azhar should be made captain now, that ship has long sailed. PCB looking to shoot itself in the foot again, but what can we do.

I brought up Azhar's name when [MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION] said Shan Masood is Pakistan's best test batsman based on one series. Ignoring the fact that Haris and Babar are better players potential wise, while a bad year doesn't make Azhar a useless cricketer (even though I myself have been extremely harsh on him in the recent past).

Given PCB's track record and preference for seniors (of late since Misbah was captain in 2010), this seems quite realistic.

Some rumours are easy to see to overlook, but I'm 80% sure this is pretty accurate, unless the PCB has a last minute change of heart.

You need to learn to put stats into context. Shan's average of 38 came against a world class pace attack and on perhaps the most bowling friendly wickets on Earth.

Only two batsmen in the series managed to average over 50: Hashim Amla and Quintin de Kock. The former actually scored less runs than Shan (in the same no. of innings) but his averaged was boosted by two not out scores. Quintin de Kock deserves full credit for his batting display, however lets not forget (unlike the Pakistani batsmen), they were up against an inferior pace attack, including two toothless bowling performances from our best two test pacers in 2018 (Hasan Ali and Abbas), who both averaged in the mid 40s with the ball.

To further illustrate the difference in quality between the two the pace attacks, South African's two best bowlers (Olivier and Rabada) both averaged under 20 in the series. Conversely, none of Pakistan's bowlers (who played a minimum of two tests in the series) managed to accomplish this.

When you factor in the information provided in the overview (above), that average of 38 is worth a lot more than what it is at face value. In typical batting friendly conditions of the modern era and against a more mid-rated pace attack, this average probably equates to a figure in excess of 50.

Even the SA commentators in the last test made it clear they were most impressed by Shan Masood's batting in the side.

To think Azhar Ali makes the test XI on merit, let alone a potential match winner (as you have implied) is beyond delusional, I have to say. I have caught you out a number of times with your poor recall and outlandish claims in the past such as "Australia were favourites going into the 2011 WC", "Australia's main wicket keeper in the 90s wasn't Ian Healey" and you're doing the same here in regards to Azhar Ali.

Our best test opener technically and form wise are Shan Masood. If he can go to SA and face the new ball against a quality bowling attack, you can't be some mug with the bat.

The way you're belittling Shan Masood's achievements does make me wonder whether you have some sort of agenda here, but I guess time will only tell.

[MENTION=1650]Usman Chadda[/MENTION] I never claimed Shan Masood is Pakistan's best test batsman in the side. Either you have comprehension issues or you're making this up - so I'd appreciate you retract this.

Instead what I actually said was:

1. He is Pakistan's best test opener and this is evident from his technical ability on the front and back foot
2. He was Pakistan's best batsman in SA, as he was the leading run scorer and averaged the highest for the side against a quality pace attack

[MENTION=1650]Usman Chadda[/MENTION] I see you've ran away like a lost puppy, were my posts to hard to comprehend?