Undroppable Asad Shafiq: The only Pakistani to have played 70+ consecutive Test matches!

[Zaz]

Technically he is a good player but a big time mental midget, but he got no excuse, they say pak players don't perform due to fear of being dropped every game but this guy had a free meal ticket for a decade. He doesn't have the courage to play Test cricket for his country, it comes down to desire to and putting it all on the line when you're in the trenches, this guy quits every time. Pak are to blame for picking him for so long, such a player would never last in the England set up

Lets be honest he wouldnt have survived in most test teams around the world

In which team would he have got such a ride? getting away with avging 38 whilst batting at 5-6 all his career and never being dropped?

Btw i believe hes 200-300 runs short of being the slowest batsman in innings to 5000 test runs

 

[Kroll]

Asad Shafiq's a bum that has not put any hard yards in improving his game. In fact he's the poster boy for someone who has just came along for a ride, and a very long ride at that.

I'm not saying he should have worked like Ronaldo (Portuguese version) to get to the pinnacle of his sport. Not everyone has the hunger and desire like that but at least put in some work man!

What we're left with now is a shadow of the average batsman that he once was. He can consider himself very lucky that he continues to get a long rope at the international level. With any other side, he would have long gone.

 

[Abdullah719]

Most consecutive Test matches for a team:

 

[Fahdi]

Most consecutive Test matches for a team:

In the company of legends

 

[Cric1234]

The only surprising thing is Hafeez isn’t in the list it’s an injustice to his talents he wasn’t allowed to play 70+ tests consecutively thus we can be represented well by two greats of the game in Shafiq and Hafeez.

 

[Saj]

I wonder how some of the other guys would have done if they had been given the luxury of 70 consecutive Tests.

I'm sure they wouldn't have done as bad as Shafiq.

 

[Zaz]

Most consecutive Test matches for a team:

And id bet hes got the lowest avge of the lot

 

[Belawal2014]

He has regressed pathetically...

 

[Abdullah719]

And id bet hes got the lowest avge of the lot

Brendon McCullum is lower by a whisker. Mark Boucher, of course, averaged around 30. Then there’s Nathan Lyon.

McCullum kept wickets for half of his career and was also a good captain. Boucher was one of the best wicket-keepers. Asad offers nothing besides his batting and that too is just about average.

 

[Zaz]

Brendon McCullum is lower by a whisker. Mark Boucher, of course, averaged around 30. Then there’s Nathan Lyon.

McCullum kept wickets for half of his career and was also a good captain. Boucher was one of the best wicket-keepers. Asad offers nothing besides his batting and that too is just about average.

Well there you go, that explains everything about how poor hes been The only worse off batsmen in that list are 2 keepers n a bowler

In another thread i pointed out that asad is about 350 runs short to 5000 runs

If he was to get to the mark he will have taken the longest in terms of innings of all batsmen....ever

 

[Kroll]

Most consecutive Test matches for a team:

Brendon McCullum is lower by a whisker. Mark Boucher, of course, averaged around 30. Then there’s Nathan Lyon.

McCullum kept wickets for half of his career and was also a good captain. Boucher was one of the best wicket-keepers. Asad offers nothing besides his batting and that too is just about average.

Well there you go, that explains everything about how poor hes been The only worse off batsmen in that list are 2 keepers n a bowler

In another thread i pointed out that asad is about 350 runs short to 5000 runs

If he was to get to the mark he will have taken the longest in terms of innings of all batsmen....ever

Its an embarrassment for PK cricket to allow failures like this stoke up these kinds of records.

 

[uberkoen]

The investment in Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq were the worst two decisions ever made by PCB and considering how many bad decisions they've made through the history of Pakistan cricket one should consider this as huge.

 

[Slog]

The investment in Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq were the worst two decisions ever made by PCB and considering how many bad decisions they've made through the history of Pakistan cricket one should consider this as huge.

Azhar was certainly a good investment. He is 35 and the dip is natural

Asad did wel till 2017ish and it’s PCBs problems they don’t have balls to drop

 

[uberkoen]

Azhar was certainly a good investment. He is 35 and the dip is natural

Asad did wel till 2017ish and it’s PCBs problems they don’t have balls to drop

I beg to differ my friend. Azhar and Asad have both been at best below mediocre even at their peaks. I feel as though they've been extremely lucky to be able to play most of their careers on the dead pitches of UAE backed by an extremely strong middle order. Never in their careers have they been considered match winners. I'm not talking about an odd innings here and there but consistently winning matches for Pakistan for a period of time.

 

[Slog]

I beg to differ my friend. Azhar and Asad have both been at best below mediocre even at their peaks. I feel as though they've been extremely lucky to be able to play most of their careers on the dead pitches of UAE backed by an extremely strong middle order. Never in their careers have they been considered match winners. I'm not talking about an odd innings here and there but consistently winning matches for Pakistan for a period of time.

Yes they didn’t become a Mohammad Yousuf but that’s not the metric to judge them by.

 

[Abdullah719]

I beg to differ my friend. Azhar and Asad have both been at best below mediocre even at their peaks. I feel as though they’ve been extremely lucky to be able to play most of their careers on the dead pitches of UAE backed by an extremely strong middle order. Never in their careers have they been considered match winners. I’m not talking about an odd innings here and there but consistently winning matches for Pakistan for a period of time.

Azhar has had a respectable career but when he was on his last legs, instead of being put under pressure for his spot, he was given the captaincy. Before that, he had good performances and also contributed in some important victories for Pakistan.

Asad has been mediocre throughout, unfortunately, barring some good performances that have been few and far between.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Old trafford should be asad and Azhars last test match. Both have been failures for to long. Time to move on.

 

[Slim]

The worst cricketer to have played these many tests for sure.

 

[Slim]

Old trafford should be asad and Azhars last test match. Both have been failures for to long. Time to move on.

Thanks for the memories, but its time to go!
[MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] bhai can we get a banner?

 

[Saj]

Thanks for the memories, but its time to go!
[MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] bhai can we get a banner?

I think we'll leave it to the selectors to decide

 

[Titan24]

Azhar was certainly a good investment. He is 35 and the dip is natural

Asad did wel till 2017ish and it’s PCBs problems they don’t have balls to drop

This. Azhar was was really good in his prime and dare I say was a match winner in tests (Can mention few if anybody wants to know).

Asad was never much of a match winner but decent till 2017, one can argue that Fawad Alam could have been a better investment. Its the fault of selectors from 2018 onwards who didnt realize it was time to move on from Asad whose average went below 40.

Azhar's decline in overseas conditions where wickets are generally faster was pretty evident as well and manifested declining reflexes.

 

[Pacy with wisdom]

Dare I say that Umar Akmal would have fluked his way to a lot more impactful performances than Asad 'always on debut' Shafiq.

 

[Savak]

Misbah ul Haqs legacy for Pakistan Cricket

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Asad Shafiq last match should be the third test. However if he scores a century we will be stuck with him for at least one more year.

 

[shamaan]

Average player at best

 

[Zaz]

Will he finally make a useful contribution and help pakistan win the game and square the series?

Theres nowhere to hide for him now

 

[shaz619]

Why do Pakistan keep picking this guy

 

[saeed5646]

Quaid Azam trophy 2020-21
Asad shafiq
3 inning
Runs :79
Fifty: 0
Average:39

Long may it continue hopefully misbah doesn't pick his buddy for nz series.He is finished

 

[shamaan]

Quaid Azam trophy 2020-21
Asad shafiq
3 inning
Runs :79
Fifty: 0
Average:39

Long may it continue hopefully misbah doesn't pick his buddy for nz series.He is finished

Hes stil a youngester remember

 

[Kroll]

Quaid Azam trophy 2020-21
Asad shafiq
3 inning
Runs :79
Fifty: 0
Average:39

Long may it continue hopefully misbah doesn't pick his buddy for nz series.He is finished

Will be first guy on the flight, wait and see.

 

[ExplicitAI]

Asad got a long ride when Mohsin Khan decided to get rid of Umar Akmal after the Test against Zimbabwe back in 2011, thought he wasn't a hard worker (which is true) but would've had more impactful innings compared to Asad who only scores in losing causes. There's way better batsmen than him in Sindh if the team really wants at least one player from there, if not then other areas in Pak. His fielding is very shallow too I don't remember him being very impactful as a fielder either. Time to bring in a grafter at number 6 and to get rid of this guy for good.

 

[hitthestump]

Asad got a long ride when Mohsin Khan decided to get rid of Umar Akmal after the Test against Zimbabwe back in 2011, thought he wasn't a hard worker (which is true) but would've had more impactful innings compared to Asad who only scores in losing causes. There's way better batsmen than him in Sindh if the team really wants at least one player from there, if not then other areas in Pak. His fielding is very shallow too I don't remember him being very impactful as a fielder either. Time to bring in a grafter at number 6 and to get rid of this guy for good.

He's also a meek character, and it's high time we brought some batameez back into the dressing room like we had in the 90's.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Asad got a long ride when Mohsin Khan decided to get rid of Umar Akmal after the Test against Zimbabwe back in 2011, thought he wasn't a hard worker (which is true) but would've had more impactful innings compared to Asad who only scores in losing causes. There's way better batsmen than him in Sindh if the team really wants at least one player from there, if not then other areas in Pak. His fielding is very shallow too I don't remember him being very impactful as a fielder either. Time to bring in a grafter at number 6 and to get rid of this guy for good.

Completely agree with everything you said, though I do believe he’s a gun slip fielder and even takes blinders in the out-field sometimes. Obviously still think he should be dropped asap but he has a very safe pair of hands.

 

[Arsal_AK]

Azhar and Asad don't deserve to be on the flight to NZ. Add Abid Ali to the list as well. But not only will they be the first names, they will get both games as well.

 

[zain7077]

Rather than youngsters being thrown in the deep end against NZ I’d rather we get rid of the countless over the hill oldies such as Azhar Asad Abid fawad for good. Wholesale changes needed.

 

[shamaan]

Rather than youngsters being thrown in the deep end against NZ I’d rather we get rid of the countless over the hill oldies such as Azhar Asad Abid fawad for good. Wholesale changes needed.

I no people will disagree but I want the same the oldies to fail horribly against New Zealand then bring the youngesters in.if we did try youngesters and they failed that could end thier career

 

[ExplicitAI]

Completely agree with everything you said, though I do believe he’s a gun slip fielder and even takes blinders in the out-field sometimes. Obviously still think he should be dropped asap but he has a very safe pair of hands.

I do recall him taking some good catches in the slips but I don't think it would be difficult to replace a fielder such as him, with some good coaching there's a good chance we'll find better fielders in the slips.

 

[Usman]

I no people will disagree but I want the same the oldies to fail horribly against New Zealand then bring the youngesters in.if we did try youngesters and they failed that could end thier career

This is what we think before every big tour - so many fans said the same before the England tour too - let the seniors play and that will then effectively end their careers. But it never happens. The Asad Shafiqs of this world survive even when they fail miserably.

Also think about it the other way - give a junior a go on the big stage and if they do well, they will be a fixture in the team.

 

[shamaan]

This is what we think before every big tour - so many fans said the same before the England tour too - let the seniors play and that will then effectively end their careers. But it never happens. The Asad Shafiqs of this world survive even when they fail miserably.

Also think about it the other way - give a junior a go on the big stage and if they do well, they will be a fixture in the team.

That's true but we know many youngesters who played one game and then got dropped

 

[Mamoon]

He is by far the luckiest player in Test cricket history.

He wouldn’t have played Test cricket in some countries and in others, he wouldn’t have lasted for more than 15-20 matches.

In Pakistan, he is on course to 90+ caps. Unbelievable.

 

[Usman]

That's true but we know many youngesters who played one game and then got dropped

Apart from Fawad Alam, I can't think of another recent occasion where a young player has been dropped without a fair run.

If Pakistan was giving lots of chances to youngsters against weaker oppositions, I would understand the argument. However we are playing Zimbabwe right now and it's taken a series win for Kushdil Shah to even be allowed into the team. Haider missed the first game too. Abdullah Shafiq has been warming the bench all series.

I get that the tour of NZ will be super tough, but rather than accept failure as a given (which is what will happen if Shafiq starts in the XI), why not give ourselves a chance with some young blood. I wouldn't be saying this if the youngsters were no good - but in Haider, Abdullah and Kushdil, we have some very good options.

 

[AAli98]

As long as his not abusing top 4 batting positions. Easily the most chicken hearted player to play international cricket scared of new ball hides at 6 scores the Most useless runs ever ie 60 odd in a dead rubber match when pak are on course for a 3-0 whitewash!!

 

[Kaddy]

Apart from Fawad Alam, I can't think of another recent occasion where a young player has been dropped without a fair run.

If Pakistan was giving lots of chances to youngsters against weaker oppositions, I would understand the argument. However we are playing Zimbabwe right now and it's taken a series win for Kushdil Shah to even be allowed into the team. Haider missed the first game too. Abdullah Shafiq has been warming the bench all series.

I get that the tour of NZ will be super tough, but rather than accept failure as a given (which is what will happen if Shafiq starts in the XI), why not give ourselves a chance with some young blood. I wouldn't be saying this if the youngsters were no good - but in Haider, Abdullah and Kushdil, we have some very good options.

Usman Salahuddin was given only 1 test. That too vs England in England.

In ODIs, there are many.

 

[Kaddy]

Asad Shafiq in his entire career, never enter in the ICC top 10 batsmen rankings ….Never....

Yet he played 77 tests in almost 10 years and was never dropped from the team.

And he was given 60 ODI matches despite of his legendary 24 average with the strike rate of 67.

Asad Shafiq is a legend........

 

[Kroll]

Asad Shafiq in his entire career, never enter in the ICC top 10 batsmen rankings ….Never....

Yet he played 77 tests in almost 10 years and was never dropped from the team.

And he was given 60 ODI matches despite of his legendary 24 average with the strike rate of 67.

Asad Shafiq is a legend........

When they do the definition of 'flying under the radar' - Asad Shafiq should be in there somewhere.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

In the company of legends

Surprisingly the only Pakistani in that list lol

 

[Kroll]

He is by far the luckiest player in Test cricket history.

He wouldn’t have played Test cricket in some countries and in others, he wouldn’t have lasted for more than 15-20 matches.

In Pakistan, he is on course to 90+ caps. Unbelievable.

He has potential.

 

[shamaan]

Apart from Fawad Alam, I can't think of another recent occasion where a young player has been dropped without a fair run.

If Pakistan was giving lots of chances to youngsters against weaker oppositions, I would understand the argument. However we are playing Zimbabwe right now and it's taken a series win for Kushdil Shah to even be allowed into the team. Haider missed the first game too. Abdullah Shafiq has been warming the bench all series.

I get that the tour of NZ will be super tough, but rather than accept failure as a given (which is what will happen if Shafiq starts in the XI), why not give ourselves a chance with some young blood. I wouldn't be saying this if the youngsters were no good - but in Haider, Abdullah and Kushdil, we have some very good options.

Bazid khan and shakeel ahmed only played 1 test I think but they not recent.exacly khushdil should have played from game 1.abdullah is more suited to odis than t20s and becouse they havent played him he should have been in the doesmtic scene.

 

[shamaan]

Apart from Fawad Alam, I can't think of another recent occasion where a young player has been dropped without a fair run.

If Pakistan was giving lots of chances to youngsters against weaker oppositions, I would understand the argument. However we are playing Zimbabwe right now and it's taken a series win for Kushdil Shah to even be allowed into the team. Haider missed the first game too. Abdullah Shafiq has been warming the bench all series.

I get that the tour of NZ will be super tough, but rather than accept failure as a given (which is what will happen if Shafiq starts in the XI), why not give ourselves a chance with some young blood. I wouldn't be saying this if the youngsters were no good - but in Haider, Abdullah and Kushdil, we have some very good options.

Salahuddin was given a game against england then was dropped

 

[Zaz]

He has potential.

Indeed lets see how develops over the next few years before we make any rash decisions

 

[Thunderbolt14]

When they do the definition of 'flying under the radar' - Asad Shafiq should be in there somewhere.

The reason is he’s from Sindh. Rarely have I seen the journalist mafia question his selection.

 

[anakwalajinn]

What a historic day!

Thought I would never see this.

Finally!

Been a big fan of Asad Shafiq, but this has gone on for too long now...

 

[angrypathan]

It's happened, I don't believe it.

 

[ElRaja]

dont get too excited people, nz is a tough place to tour, and with a home series in pakistan to follow everything is set up for his replacement to fail in nz, only for him to return a score 41, 3, 7 and 71 to cement his place for another few years.

 

[shamaan]

Mubarak to all of pakistan for the dropping of asad shafiq one of the best achievements pakistan has made. I did tel everyone asad would be dropped before shafiq

 

[shamaan]

What a historic day!

Thought I would never see this.

Finally!

Been a big fan of Asad Shafiq, but this has gone on for too long now...

I think of the sacking of misbah as cheif selector had a big impact if he was stil cheif selector he would have made the plane he misbah knows hes under huge pressure

 

[shamaan]

It's happened, I don't believe it.

I had a feeling it would happen

 

[shamaan]

dont get too excited people, nz is a tough place to tour, and with a home series in pakistan to follow everything is set up for his replacement to fail in nz, only for him to return a score 41, 3, 7 and 71 to cement his place for another few years.

I dont think he will make a come back

 

[HappyWarsFan]

He last got dropped in September 2011.

 

[MenInG]

From PCB Report for Round 10, Day 3:

Sindh captain Asad Shafiq was left stranded on 87 not out (168 balls, 14 fours).

 

[Rana]

Pointless dropping the one guy who still produces a random free flowing innings at a decent strike rate in comparison to this inept, boring lot.

 

[Last Monetarist]

It's hilarious to see how so many folks in the media are now crying about Asad's exclusion. He is 35 years old and is never going to sort out his problem of choking under pressure.

 

[Bigboii]

Most consecutive Test matches for a team:

Omg they're all legends of the game
And than there's Asad

 

[shamaan]

It's hilarious to see how so many folks in the media are now crying about Asad's exclusion. He is 35 years old and is never going to sort out his problem of choking under pressure.

Dont think wasim will bottle it under preesure from the media