"This is not the end of the world, we will make a comeback from here" : Asad Shafiq

[Abdullah719]

Quotes from Asad Shafiq speaking to Ramiz Raja on the last day of the first Test against NZ (didn't get the chance to add them earlier but here goes):


"In the first innings, we had a chance to bat NZ out of the game which we missed"

"In the second innings, we had things under control during my partnership with Azhar but then I got out and there were a couple of bad shots which cost us"

"We don't over analyse, the message from the management was to be positive and to not get too bogged down, we should put away the bad balls and respect the good balls. Credit goes to NZ specially their spinners, they made full use of this pitch"

"As a batting unit, we should have chased this down as things were under control. I hope we will learn from our mistakes and next time if any batsman is in such a situation, they should know how to handle it"

"The pitch is not how it usually is over here, the seamers get a bit of help with swing and seam now and there is sharp turn from the start. Before, it was on Day 3 and 4 that there would be sharp turn. But now from Day 1, it spins and it's not easy to score freely from the start. We should have kept that in mind"

"We knew that a partnership is crucial because wickets can fall in clumps as it happened throughout the match"

"Spinners got a lot of turn and Ajaz Patel utilised it well and bowled wicket to wicket"

"Every batsman in the end has a certain thought process, from the outside it looked like Azhar wanted to take the game right to the end. The shots played earlier made him doubtful and then they put all the fielders back so it was difficult to hit a boundary"

"We can definitely bounce back, we had some positives in this match like the way Hasan bowled. We have bounced back from similar results in the past and this team has the capability and is strong enough to bounce back from any situation. We will try to learn from our mistakes and do better in the next game"

"We will try to not repeat the same mistakes, the way I got out twice in the 40s etc. If we get a start, we will try to convert it into a big score"

"The misunderstanding for the run out was very damaging, it was Azhar bhai's call but there was miscommunication between the two and it was a turning point"

"This is not the end of the world, we will make a comeback from here, we have two matches ahead of us and we will try to improve"

"We used to hit hundreds and 150s here which we aren't doing right now so a player will have to stand up and play those type of innings which will put us well on top in the game"

 

[Chief Destroyer]

This choker should be the last one talking.

 

[gazza619]

I am trying to remember the last time Shafiq won us a match. The fans are dissappointed and have every right to be so.

 

[Hawkeye]

Why is he giving interviews to the media these days?

His name along with Sarfraz should be the first one on 'kick out from the team' list. He's a massive, massive choker.

Ok, choker is one who will fail under pressure. He went way beyond that, fails in all the innings of a series except one or two, and retains his spot.

Kick him out.

Minnow mentality!

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

I am trying to remember the last time Shafiq won us a match. The fans are dissappointed and have every right to be so.

Has he ever ?


All his performances I remember in defeats when there is no pressure

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Has he ever ?


All his performances I remember in defeats when there is no pressure

On 2 MoM awards and 1 of them came against Australia in the first test, which we lost.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

On 2 MoM awards and 1 of them came against Australia in the first test, which we lost.

That innings was good, but all it did was a hammering more respectful. He came in when we had lost, no one expected anything. I have no memory of him ever taking the initiative in a pressure situation

 

[DRsohail]

Someone please tell him to win and then talk. It’s annoying to listen to them this time.

 

[aukhan]

Shafiq still averages under 40 after all these years. Azhar with limited skillset outperformed him throughout his career. He should be the last one talking about anything. Selfish player who celebrates 50's as he has achieved everything in this world. Such a sad state we are in, he is also our VC.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Wow, what utter nonsense and garbage from Shafiq.

To have played the number of tests he has and average 40 in current era is pathetic indeed.

Focus on winning your team games rather then giving stupid interviews.

 

[Sirris]

Quotes from Asad Shafiq speaking on the last day of the first Test against NZ
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"We used to hit hundreds and 150s here which we aren't doing right now so a player will have to stand up and play those type of innings which will put us well on top in the game"

Who is the "we" he is referring to here? Younis and Misbah?

 

[Abdullah719]

Who is the "we" he is referring to here? Younis and Misbah?

In 64 Tests, his highest score is 137 so can't be referring to himself... so yeah Team Man and Misbah probably.

 

[Dark_Horse]

If you continue to perform like this for next match this should be your end. As I remember these days he only scores when his position is in danger
100 vs aus
100 vs SL are examples

 

[cricketindiafan]

"Not the end of the world" Is that a literal translation of what he said?

 

[Abdullah719]

"Not the end of the world" Is that a literal translation of what he said?

Exact words.

 

[Barragan]

He debuted with a FC average of 38 and he has shown why he averaged so low in FC.

Simply mediocre and still is mediocre, moreover couldn't even average higher, despite playing primarily in Asia and at no. 6 for most his career.

He'd be the first person on my list to be dropped, even ahead of Hafeez.

 

[cricketindiafan]

Exact words.

Thanks.

Poor from Asad and a perfect PR disaster for him and the team in general. After losing a test, best advised to stay low, talk positively but be very humble and honest else public will see this as arrogance.

 

[asadee]

And some people want him to be captain of the test side...sigh

 

[Abdullah719]

Thanks.

Poor from Asad and a perfect PR disaster for him and the team in general. After losing a test, best advised to stay low, talk positively but be very humble and honest else public will see this as arrogance.

To be honest, he was on the defensive the whole time because Ramiz was being very aggressive in his questions. But that's the nature of the loss...

 

[Markhor]

Why weren't the lessons learnt after the Abu Dhabi choke vs SRL last year ?

 

[Solid Snake]

That innings was good, but all it did was a hammering more respectful. He came in when we had lost, no one expected anything. I have no memory of him ever taking the initiative in a pressure situation

I think like everyone who watched that test match as it was happening, Shafiq's ton taking things into the fifth day felt defiant, gritty and that we could potentially be witnessing an ATG innings.

However, on closer inspection, that innings came to perfectly capture Shafiq as a cricketer - namely how mentally weak he is. If you look up his own account of the innings, in an interview he talked about how he felt no pressure when he came out to bat. Contrast that with the final day, when we were inching closer and closer to the target, I kid you not Yasir looked more assured at the crease. By contrast, Shafiq looked like a deer caught in the headlights 3-4 overs leading up to his dismissal. In hindsight I really think there was an element of self imposed pressure, and of the many chokers in our team, this guy is arguably the worst.

I'm not saying we should have won that test, there is a reason only a handful of teams have ever chased 400 in the fourth innings, but really I think someone with a champion mindset would have played more assuredly and confidently, when there were no real demons in that pitch.

 

[Ahmed216]

60 odd test matches and yet to win a match for team

 

[gazza619]

A bad investment was Shafiq. And the problem is he always does just about enough to get picked for the next series. With Pakistan playing fewer and fewer test matches going forward its about time Inzi picks batsmen who can play both ODIs and tests.

 

[Ab Fan]

Mediocrity of highest class.

 

[kingusama92]

Definitely not a smart way to word it.

 

[Zaz]

Shafuq needs to quit the chat and it’s about time he scored some big runs or be replaced by someone more capable

He’s disappointed big time over the last 2-3 years averaging in his 30s He should’ve been kicking on in this phase of his career which should’ve been his prime taking responsibilty and scoring big runs for Pakistan

Instead what we have is even after so many years someone who is like a deer in headlights failing to prove he’s been a sound investment

 

[CricFan2012]

That innings was good, but all it did was a hammering more respectful. He came in when we had lost, no one expected anything. I have no memory of him ever taking the initiative in a pressure situation

He was dropped a couple times in that innings I believe

 

[CricFan2012]

His career average is sitting below 40, at one point it was around 45, what has he been doing wrong?

 

[nitrous]

Most overrated batsman on PP... meek, timid and a choker.

 

[srh]

This choker should be the last one talking.

This. Why Saad Ali has not replaced him yet?

 

[UP]

The end is near for him...

And what mistakes? The mistakes which have been going on for years?

 

[Abdullah719]

Most overrated batsman on PP... meek, timid and a choker.

Who rates him...

 

[Usman Chadda]

Turning out to be a bad investment. Azhar and Shafiq have started to churn out rubbish as soon as MisYou retired. You're expecting Haris and Babar to drive your team, while these two chumps continue to disappoint day-in day-out.

 

[QalandarFan]

On 2 MoM awards and 1 of them came against Australia in the first test, which we lost.

And the only other Man of the Match award he won came in a drawn match against Sri Lanka back in 2012.

So in 9 years he has played 64 test matches and is yet to win a match for Pakistan. What an investment...

 

[Sunny_majoka]

Can't belive this guy is playing consistently 60th test today.most by any Pakistan player passing javaid miandad 53

 

[QalandarFan]

His career average is sitting below 40, at one point it was around 45, what has he been doing wrong?

It went up to 43 for a bit around 2015, but that was due to a little purple patch he had from late 2014 to 2015. His stats were as follow in that period

Matches - 13
Innings - 19
Runs - 1049
Average - 58.27
100's - 4
50's - 4

So yeah he had a good little patch there and that's why his average went up. However it is important to note that all those matches were played in UAE, in Bangladesh against Bangladesh, and against a very weak Sri Lankan team in SL. Also, in those matches there was little to no pressure on him, Misbah and Younis were in sublime form so more times than not when he came out to bat at #6 there was no pressure on him even if he got out Pakistan were already in a good position. However now that he has to carry the batting line-up at #4 it is a much different story even if he is playing in UAE. Also his average before that brief purple patch of his was only 36 and since that patch it has been 34. If he didn't have that little patch of his, that flatters his average to a certain extent he would be most likely be averaging in the mid 30's. That is horrible for a Test batsman who has been playing Test cricket for almost a decade. He's suppose to be one of the senior most batsman in the team and carry the batting line-up, batting with flair for 30 runs doesn't really win matches now does it.

 

[QalandarFan]

Can't belive this guy is playing consistently 60th test today.most by any Pakistan player passing javaid miandad 53

He has to be on the brink of being dropped nor for sure, unless he scores another meaningless hundred in this series.

 

[Suleiman]

No Shafiq, there is no end for you. You’ve been conning this entire country since 2010, first in ODIs and tests, but now only in 1 format. If any other batsman was given 8 years on the trot like you with those resources, they’d be world class batsmen with soaring high confidence. Yet you still walk out with neck down back hunched as if it’s your first day on the job. A pretty 50 here and there, maybe a ton in the 4th innings once in a while but never manifesting it into a win, never really helping win any games.

This guy and Azhar both had Misbah and Younis to hold their hands and teach them the ropes, but now they need another daddy to guide them.

 

[Zaz]

Surely its time his position is reviewed now His output has been pretty poor for a long time now

 

[MenInG]

Surely its time his position is reviewed now His output has been pretty poor for a long time now

is it that bad?

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Pakistan cricket is in turmoil atm, say if we drop the likes of Azhar and Shafiq, and bring in Shakeel and Saad Ali, there’s no guarantee that they won’t end up like Azhar and Shafiq. Surely the best thing to do is bring in 1 youngster and 1 experienced player (fawad alam).

 

[Amjid Javed]

Dont worry match losing 100 on its way during series from Asad so he makes it on plan to Australia.

 

[shaz619]

Asad is an absolute embarrasment, he should retire. 10 years of investment and he still bats like a coward and crumbles under pressure, he is a joke and so are all of his fans

 

[hayder ali]

8 years of investment not 10, he debuted in 2011

 

[Barragan]

In a way, I'm kind of glad Azhar got run out because it exposed this guy for what he is, mediocre and worthless.

Batting at no. 6 and cowering behind others is his best quality.

Heck, even inexperienced guys like Haris are batting above him and standing up.

 

[Zaz]

is it that bad?

View attachment 85881

He avges in his low 30s over the last 2-3 years MenInG Thats unacceptable for someone who is one of the most experienced and should be one of the main contributors of the batting order

 

[shaz619]

is it that bad?

View attachment 85881

Not just bad, GOD AWFUL. Imagine investing 100K in a property, only to find that 10 years later it is worth 5K !! That's what Shafiq is, one big WASTE.

 

[Rayyman]

Shafiq hasn't scored a lot of runs because he bats at #5-6, even today he came after 70-odd overs.

Really pathetic that they are hiding him down there. He has the ability to bat at #3, play him at that position, if he fails then there is no point of having him. Senior players should bat in the Top 4. Haris has #4 on lock while Azhar better off opening. No-brainer really.

But that was an awful shot he played today. Reverse-sweep was open his whole time at the crease, a shot very useful in the UAE, played by YK, Misbah, Azhar and Sarfraz. Asad is way too reliant on that mid-wicket slog and that was his undoing today.

Maybe he needs to be dropped b/c he is too comfortable having played 60 straight matches.

 

[Markhor]

Has he ever been dropped from the Test side ? Seems like he's been a permanent fixture.

Swap for Saad or preferably Fawad in the next Test.

 

[Abdullah719]

Has he ever been dropped from the Test side ? Seems like he's been a permanent fixture.

Swap for Saad or preferably Fawad in the next Test.

60 consecutive Test matches since 2011...

 

[Ab Fan]

A poor man Ian Bell.

 

[as-95]

Although he rarely performs, I don’t believe we should bin him just yet. Hafeez and Imam are much bigger problems at the moment and we need to keep some experience in the team whilst bringing new players in.

Hafeez OUT. Fakhar IN
Imam OUT. Azhar Ali opening slot and Saud Sharjeel drafted into the middle order.

This will bring a mix of attacking (Fakhar) and defensive stability (Azhar) to the opening slot. A left-right handed combo is also handy!

Saud Shakeel will fill in at the number 3 slot.

New batting order:
Fakhar
Azhar
Saud Shakeel
Haris
Asad
Babar
Sarfraz

Sarfraz also needs replacing for a better WK batsman but that’s a story for another time!

 

[aukhan]

Thread title sums up his attitude. A selfish 50 and sajda next inning and all will be forgotten.

 

[Zaz]

Shafiqs record since Jan 2016 doesnt make pretty reading...

 

[Amjid Javed]

Has he ever been dropped from the Test side ? Seems like he's been a permanent fixture.

Swap for Saad or preferably Fawad in the next Test.

Always scores a hundred in a lost cause when hes about to be dropped, inorder to save his place.

 

[Ilan Bluestone]

In Pakistan history, will go down as if not the most disappointing, definitely one of the most disappointing players ever.

All the technique and hoopla, but the issue was always between the ears.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Shafiqs record since Jan 2016 doesnt make pretty reading...

View attachment 85899

It’s the Strike Rate that inzi is looking at.

 

[Ilan Bluestone]

8 years of investment not 10, he debuted in 2011

2-3 years is more than enough investment. Semantics of 8 or 10 are irrelevant, Shafiq is a joke.

 

[mastersaan10]

Hope it is the end of his career with Pakistan after the South Africa series

 

[gazza619]

My money would be on the fact that Asad Shafiq would score a classic 100 in the 2nd innings of the 3rd test against NZ and book his ticket for SA.

 

[topspin]

Who rates him...

Canadian Abdul rates him far more than Babar Azam.

 

[topspin]

I would discard Shafiq after the SA series and replace him with him either Saud Shakeel or Saad Ali.

 

[Hawkeye]

The sad reality is he's not going anywhere. No matter how much we cry on the internet.

Selectors, coach, captain and the board loves him. And his experience.

He'll also score a 50 or 100 in South Africa, a pointless one, and book his place for the next 5 years.

No use wasting our energy on him.

 

[Blistering Barnacle]

Back in the day, Akmal was outperforming Asad. But he was dropped from the test team to accommodate Asad - unfair treatment.

Pak cricket deserves Asad and his ilk.

To think of how many ODI games Asad got undeservedly...mind boggling.

 

[aukhan]

Big words coming back and biting him. Performers like him should stay silent....looks like his friend is influencing him too much.

 

[Barragan]

This is the attitude he had, when Pak lost the first match.

Now what will he say?

Pak on the brink of losing a series to NZ at home.

 

[Suleiman]

The sad reality is he's not going anywhere. No matter how much we cry on the internet.

Selectors, coach, captain and the board loves him. And his experience.

He'll also score a 50 or 100 in South Africa, a pointless one, and book his place for the next 5 years.

No use wasting our energy on him.

Funnily enough that's what he did last tour as well I think IIRC, scored 1 ton, and another meaningless 50, and rest of the tour put his boots up and chilled out.

Sad that in 5 years barely anything has changed.

 

[Usman Chadda]

I hope Rameez invites Shafiq for another chat after the match. This time go full commando on him, as I thought he held back a bit last time.

 

[aukhan]

Pakistan have now lost 8 out of 12 Tests in which Asad Shafiq scored a hundred.

 

[LegendAli]

Pakistan have now lost 8 out of 12 Tests in which Asad Shafiq scored a hundred.

Useless stat.

Please don't try to undermine the mediocrity of Shafique by changing the subject altogether with a nothing stat.

 

[topspin]

Pakistan have now lost 8 out of 12 Tests in which Asad Shafiq scored a hundred.

This shows the lack of impact in his runs just like the ton he scored in Brisbane. Does enough to keep his place in the side but not suffice to win matches for his team.

I was shocked to hear not only ex-Pakistan cricketers rate him so highly but also the Sky commentary team (Botham, Nasser and Atherton) who were raving about how good he looks in the nets. There has never been a more deceiving batsman who flatters everyone but has never had one big series where he has made a name for himself or scored a big hundred (top score just 137).

 

[Khanusman1]

I think we should play some matches with Zimbabwe, West Indies and Bangladesh. Give them a good thrashing. Everyone will then forget about this NZ series

 

[TeamPak95]

Shafiq's, along with Azhar's, size 2 feet have not been able fill in the shoes of MisYou. If these two bomb in SA, then I'd say good riddance.

 

[Kroll]

Useless stat.

Please don't try to undermine the mediocrity of Shafique by changing the subject altogether with a nothing stat.

He's actually showing how useless Shafiq is, scoring even more useless centuries and booking his place for the next few series.

 

[Mainul]

This choker should be the last one talking.

Yes. Empty vessels sound much. I just can't tolerate him. Useless.

 

[Ilan Bluestone]

Please leave the team and never come back.

 

[The Viper]

Secured his space with a ton in first innings then goes missing as usual in a pressure situation.