[VIDEO] Shan Masood 2.0 - Performance Watch

[YousafTheBeast]

A few reasons:
1) I choose to ignore his foray from 2013 to the time he made his comeback in South Africa . . they were 2 different players . . Remember comments from English commentators in England when he first went there and the last series . . For some with very limited talent he worked really hard and the improvements were quite visible . .
Hence, I think it is a misrepresentation of Shan's career to look at his test average of 29

2) Since his comeback in South Africa, he was Pakistan's 2nd most prolific batsman, and had the 2nd highest number of centuries . . See table below:

View attachment 111408

3) He was dropped on the basis of poor performances . . but you can't look at his performances in a vacuum. His peers weren't exactly setting the world on fire in NZ either . .

4) I don't for a moment believe that Shan is a world beater . . quite the opposite actually. I think he is a player with very limited talent . . however, when I look at the openers currently . . there's no doubt in my mind, Shan is better . . when I look at domestics, there's no opener that's knocking on the door . . Abdullah Shafique has only played a handful of first class games and he's going around with the squad . . might as well be playing back home so he starts getting innings and runs under his belt . . so in the absence of anyone else, Shan is the best available option . . and he got dropped right before Pak played in Pakistan where he had 3 centuries in a row or something? Abid and Imran botched that too!

Bonus point 5) He works incredibly hard which is evident . . he is one of the fittest cricketers if not the fittest in Pakistan . . not many know, but after he was dropped from the team after NZ, he went to SA to work with Gary Kirsten on his technique . .

All in all, I am happy with Shan's mediocrity over Abid and Imran Butt's mediocrity if I can put it that way . .

We can agree to disagree on this one . .

To be fair, he’s given more runs away with his dropped catches in the slips than scoring runs for the team since his comeback.

He was never meant to be in the test squad. He performed in the List A season and he was brought back into the LOI squad because apparently he became an attacking batsman and changed his game.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Meeshu you were the most precious thing in my life and I did not even get to say goodbye, I will miss you so much but I know God has taken you to a better place. Please pray for my sister’s departed soul <a href="https://t.co/1AFHad7red">pic.twitter.com/1AFHad7red</a></p>— Shan Masood (@shani_official) <a href="https://twitter.com/shani_official/status/1444470497941630980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[OMB]

Shan Masood scored 54 off 37 balls with 5 fours and 1 six

 

[Forum363]

He's only 31!

Definitely not a t20 player but some of his shots and the ease with which he's playing pace bowling now means he might yet have a career for us in the longer formats. He also seems a lot more relaxed these days.

I think he's a better test opener than Imam right now and around the same in ODI.

 

[Last Monetarist]

A second successive century by Shan Masood in the QeA trophy for Balochistan today.

 

[Hassaan HS]

Shan Masood's first innings century for Balochistan against Central Punjab

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[MenInG]

Derbyshire have secured the signing of Pakistan international Shan Masood as overseas player for the entire 2022 season.

Masood, 32, has played 25 Tests, scoring four centuries, including a stunning 156 against England at Emirates Old Trafford in 2020, while the opening batter also has six half-centuries to his name.

An experienced left-hander, Masood has played more than 300 matches across all formats, scoring 31 centuries. Fourteen of those have come in List A cricket, a format in which he averages 57.46.

He also brings a breadth of T20 experience to The Incora County Ground and captained a Multan Sultans side which contained Wayne Madsen to the top of the Pakistan Super League group table in 2019.

Masood first played in England early on in his career, scoring a Stamford School-record 1,237 runs at an average of 103 in 2009 aged 20, while he also featured in three first-class matches for Durham University.

He reunites with Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, whom he played for from 2016 to 2019, and will be available for all formats throughout the 2022 campaign, starting with the first LV= County Championship fixture in April.

Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, said: “Shan is an immensely talented batter and was a key target for Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, in his plans to develop the Derbyshire squad.

“He knows Mickey’s standards and what is expected both in training and out in the middle and I’m looking forward to seeing what his experience brings to Derbyshire.”

Masood added: “Playing County Cricket in England is something I’ve always wanted to do, so when Mickey approached me to join Derbyshire, I jumped at the chance.

“He’s perhaps been the greatest influence in my career and I’m looking forward to working with him again at Derbyshire.

“It’s an exciting time for the Club and hopefully I can contribute at the top of the order and use my experience to help the younger players in their development.”

https://cricket.derbyshireccc.com/2021/12/derbyshire-sign-masood-for-2022-season/

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Derbyshire have secured the signing of Pakistan international Shan Masood as overseas player for the entire 2022 season.

Masood, 32, has played 25 Tests, scoring four centuries, including a stunning 156 against England at Emirates Old Trafford in 2020, while the opening batter also has six half-centuries to his name.

An experienced left-hander, Masood has played more than 300 matches across all formats, scoring 31 centuries. Fourteen of those have come in List A cricket, a format in which he averages 57.46.

He also brings a breadth of T20 experience to The Incora County Ground and captained a Multan Sultans side which contained Wayne Madsen to the top of the Pakistan Super League group table in 2019.

Masood first played in England early on in his career, scoring a Stamford School-record 1,237 runs at an average of 103 in 2009 aged 20, while he also featured in three first-class matches for Durham University.

He reunites with Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, whom he played for from 2016 to 2019, and will be available for all formats throughout the 2022 campaign, starting with the first LV= County Championship fixture in April.

Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, said: “Shan is an immensely talented batter and was a key target for Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, in his plans to develop the Derbyshire squad.

“He knows Mickey’s standards and what is expected both in training and out in the middle and I’m looking forward to seeing what his experience brings to Derbyshire.”

Masood added: “Playing County Cricket in England is something I’ve always wanted to do, so when Mickey approached me to join Derbyshire, I jumped at the chance.

“He’s perhaps been the greatest influence in my career and I’m looking forward to working with him again at Derbyshire.

“It’s an exciting time for the Club and hopefully I can contribute at the top of the order and use my experience to help the younger players in their development.”

https://cricket.derbyshireccc.com/2021/12/derbyshire-sign-masood-for-2022-season/

Wow wonderful...Thanks to Mickey Arthur, thats a great chance for Shan Masood.. Hope he will develop into a better batsman with this golden chance..

 

[The Googly]

This could be turning point for him.

 

[gazza619]

Happy for Shan but the standard of county cricket is worrying me if they needed to sign him up.

 

[MenInG]

Mickey Arthur has made a first dip into his extensive book of contacts to land Pakistan opening bat Shan Masood as Derbyshire’s overseas player for the 2022 season.

The 32-year-old left-hander was believed to be one of Arthur’s top targets for the county after being named their head of cricket last month, having worked with Masood for three years while he was in charge of the Pakistan national team.

He brings plenty of experience and pedigree across all formats and the fact that he is able to stay the full season is only one way he fits the bill for Derbyshire’s needs.

With Luis Reece set to miss a large part of the season recovering from shoulder and knee surgery, he will be a ready-made opening partner for Billy Godleman.

Masood has been seen mostly as a Test player for Pakistan but he is a very good white ball player too. He has played 25 Tests, averaging 29.31. His 1,378 Test runs include four centuries and six half-centuries, which suggests a player who, once he gets in, is capable of making it count.

In the tour to England in 2020, Masood had only one score of substance but that was a hugely impressive 156 at Old Trafford. In all first-class cricket, he has 16 centuries and 36 fifties with an average of 35. Though Masood has played only five one-day internationals, his record in 50-over cricket is excellent, with 14 hundreds and 26 fifties for an average of 57.46.

In T20, he captained a Multan Sultans side which included Wayne Madsen to the top of the Pakistan Super League group table in 2020, losing in the play-offs, and was a member of the side that won the 2021 PSL title. Earlier in his career, Masood experienced English conditions at Stamford School in 2009 and played three first-class matches for Durham University.

https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/other-sport/masood-signing-right-out-arthur-6317860

 

[TeymurBlake]

Would he not be interested in someone like Abdullah Shafique, Haider Ali, Saud Shakeel or Agha Salman as batsman who could do some experience of county cricket.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Played a lone hand of 70 in a heavy defeat for Balochistan in the QeA Trophy match against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

His last six scores:
105
17
102
10
7
70

 

[MenInG]

111* for Shan at Tea on Day 1 of the 10th Round, QeA Trophy for Balochistan v Northern

 

[MenInG]

Shan 161* at the moment - team score is 271/8!

Done well without much support from the rest

 

[Extra_Cover]

Finished on 190, great effort. Team score 302, Shan scored 190!

 

[shah_1]

Much better than Imam

 

[Last Monetarist]

Don't think he is good enough for Test cricket, we've seen plenty of evidence of that over the past few years. However, he is a very good role model for young players in terms of setting the example in training and overall professionalism. I hope that the young players at Balochistan pay heed and try and mimic his work ethic.

 

[Pakpak]

Much better than Imam

Not really, he's pretty ordinary on the international scene and due to his age doesn't have much value in terms of improving. This is not me saying it but his own numbers speak for themselves.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Need him back in the test side. And he has certainly earned a spot with his performances this season.

When it comes to game awareness, work-ethic and professionalism there are very few players on his level. And the fact that he was dropped after one bad series was incredibly unfair to begin with. Especially when Imran Butt and Abid Ali got numerous chances after numerous failed series.

He has scored runs in South Africa, Australia, England and at home. Which is not something any Pakistani opener other than Azhar Ali can lay claim to. And even he has a dreadful record in South Africa.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Shan Masood:

average of 60 at home
average of 69 in Sri Lanka (where we are touring next year)
average of 39 in Australia
average of 38 in South Africa
averaged 35 in England in the last series with a 156 to boot.

There isn't a single Pakistani opener right now (Azhar Ali doesn't count) with a more credible away record than Shan Masood. Nothing against Abid Ali but we already saw how they did in places where the ball was moving around even a little bit.

If Shan got as many games as Abid did against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, he might be averaging over 40 too.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Happy for Shan but the standard of county cricket is worrying me if they needed to sign him up.

The standard of county cricket has done down the drain the last three decades. But Shan is still an elite signing when you look at some of the mid-tier Australian domestic players and self-exiled South Africans that are playing county on a regular basis.

 

[shamaan]

The standard of county cricket has done down the drain the last three decades. But Shan is still an elite signing when you look at some of the mid-tier Australian domestic players and self-exiled South Africans that are playing county on a regular basis.

It was more balanced last season with bat and ball

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

It was more balanced last season with bat and ball

I'm talking about quality and standard of cricket. Once upon a time county cricket used to be what IPL is today. With all the best international players playing for different county sides. Now county sides are happy if they can just get a self-exiled South African domestic player for the entire season.

 

[Markhor]

Shan Masood:

average of 60 at home
average of 69 in Sri Lanka (where we are touring next year)
average of 39 in Australia
average of 38 in South Africa
averaged 35 in England in the last series with a 156 to boot.

There isn't a single Pakistani opener right now (Azhar Ali doesn't count) with a more credible away record than Shan Masood. Nothing against Abid Ali but we already saw how they did in places where the ball was moving around even a little bit.

If Shan got as many games as Abid did against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, he might be averaging over 40 too.

It was the height of foolishness to drop him for a specialist fielder in Imran Butt who only averaged above 40 in QEA cricket once in his career - that too on the flattest pitches in decades in the 19/20 season.

Shan had a poor tour of England and New Zealand, omitting the Old Trafford hundred. But if we're dropping openers for struggling away in those countries - there would hardly be any Test openers left !

He should've been given the South Africa home series and decision made after.

 

[MenInG]

Mickey possibly taking a jibe at how Shan was handled by the previous Pak admin - in reply to a tweet that mentioned the fact that Shan was dropped after scoring 150 vs England

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

It was the height of foolishness to drop him for a specialist fielder in Imran Butt who only averaged above 40 in QEA cricket once in his career - that too on the flattest pitches in decades in the 19/20 season.

Shan had a poor tour of England and New Zealand, omitting the Old Trafford hundred. But if we're dropping openers for struggling away in those countries - there would hardly be any Test openers left !

He should've been given the South Africa home series and decision made after.

Exactly. Imran Butt literally had one good season and had been averaging in the 20s in the previous three seasons. But somehow that was enough to impress the stats wizard Mohammad Wasim.

Absolutely. The opening slot in test cricket is in my opinion the most difficult position to bat in. There's a reason why there are only a handful of established test openers in the world. And when you have someone in that slot who is imperfect but has delivered for you in tough conditions like Shan, that player deserves a little more patience than others.

Will be interesting to see who gets dropped if he keeps performing like this because you can only have three openers out of Abid, Imam, Abdullah and Shan.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Mickey possibly taking a jibe at how Shan was handled by the previous Pak admin - in reply to a tweet that mentioned the fact that Shan was dropped after scoring 150 vs England

View attachment 113750

Someone should tag Mohammad Wasim in this.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Shan seems a hard working guy but was found out in his last few international games. He probably would have succeeded in more series in Asia but I feel that he will one of those players that are domestic champs but not quite good enough to make the jump to international cricket.

He can probably carve out a decent career by continuing to excel in domestic cricket and then by transitoning into coaching/commentary after his playing days are over. He seems an intelligent guy who will have a future in the game but unfortunately not as a top tier international player.

If he has a few good years in county he could easily become like Mushy ( i know he was a very good international player) and Azhar Mahmood who were well respected by the ECB and translated into lucrative careers.

 

[jazbati]

not a big fan of him but you must see his batting highlights of his innings yesterday. Crisp drives and fluent shots. Probably one of the best knock I've seen in domestic circuit.

 

[gazza619]

I like Shan but sadly with him its either a big score (like a 75 or 100) or a very small score (under 5).

He needs to learn to chip in with a few 15s or 20s even when he does fail.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Good start for Multan on a sluggish pitch.

 

[gazza619]

The more i see Shan, the more i wonder why does he not bat the same way in international cricket.

He is a very decent batter and can easily succeed in all 3 forms of the game if he has luck on his side.

 

[transparent opacity]

seems coaching helping

 

[transparent opacity]

Wonderful shot

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[transparent opacity]

Beautiful shot

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[DeadlyVenom]

Shans success is the final nail in the coffin for Sharjeels fan. He is the next in line if a place in the squad opens up.

 

[shah_1]

He should open with Fakhar in ODIs. Imam is a limited player

 

[gazza619]

Hope Shan doesnt make a comeback in the wrong format (test cricket).

He is looking red hot at the moment.

 

[shah_1]

The more i see Shan, the more i wonder why does he not bat the same way in international cricket.

He is a very decent batter and can easily succeed in all 3 forms of the game if he has luck on his side.

When did he ever get a proper chance in white ball cricket?

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">26, 83 and now 88 strike rate 156 and it’s just a start. Outstanding <a href="https://twitter.com/shani_official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shani_official</a> What a performer <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QGvsMS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QGvsMS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thePSLt20?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thePSLt20</a> Averaged 30 with the strike rate of 146 last year’s PSL “Knock Knock Selectors” Maturing with the age. <a href="https://twitter.com/MultanSultans?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MultanSultans</a> <a href="https://t.co/Krpl5WqfwZ">pic.twitter.com/Krpl5WqfwZ</a></p>— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) <a href="https://twitter.com/waqyounis99/status/1488380989814546436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Crazy how a couple of performances in the PSL can get you talked about for national selection, but for some players they have to perform in every single PSL and even then they don’t get considered.

 

[MenInG]

Shan's 88 last night

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[fieldMarshal]

He is a must in the one days

 

[MenInG]

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Good start - could have got more - out for 43(31)

 

[NauV]

Stellar QEA performance averaging 72
Now looking better than ever in the PSL . .

Currently, in the top 4 or 5 batters in the country without a doubt.

 

[topspin]

Deserves a comeback to open for the test side and has done enough to make the white ball squads as well.

 

[shamaan]

If he can maintain a good strike rate and reasonable average then he deserves a chance In odis.

However should not be in the squad for either tests and t20s.

 

[MenInG]

Wonder how much his PSL performances would have figured for his return to the Test squad?

 

[shamaan]

Wonder how much his PSL performances would have figured for his return to the Test squad?

I think that did have a factor but also thiers no real other options.

 

[Markhor]

Wonder how much his PSL performances would have figured for his return to the Test squad?

PSL form should not be factored into Test selections whatsoever !

His QEA Trophy numbers should be the main criteria, and to be fair he performed well. He also performed decently vs the Aussie attack in their backyard in 2019.

 

[MenInG]

PSL form should not be factored into Test selections whatsoever !

His QEA Trophy numbers should be the main criteria, and to be fair he performed well. He also performed decently vs the Aussie attack in their backyard in 2019.

Yes but we know how everyone gets carried away. Same Shan if he had been failing in PSL may well have been overlooked (I could be wrong!)

 

[Savak]

Hard working lad. Has rightfully been rewarded. He was discarded after one horror series. He had racked up centuries against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and England before that horror series against NZ. Almost every Pakistani batsman struggled on that NZ tour.

 

[Maher96]

Another 50 Today for him.

Looking at all the players struggling here, one must praise the guy for his massive improvements.

Players who come out and over their limitations and adapt their game are always appreciated.


Glad for him.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

I would rather see him in the test squad again than Imam.

Both aren't top tier openers. But Shan is a lot more selfless than Imam. Imam has selfish tendencies and always hides behind his partner for early runs while he slowly settles in. Shan atleast takes it upon himself to shield his partner.

 

[Forum363]

I really believe this guy is the most improved Pakistan cricketer along with Rizwan. He has almost the work ethic of Rizwan so has made a similar improvement in his game.

Unfortunately for him, he started off as a below club level batter so he will never be the absolute best but he could have a decent career for Pakistan in test cricket at least if he continues to work hard.

 

[MenInG]

Player of the match Shan Masood: “As a player I just try and follow the process. I have been a bit clearer in my thought process while batting and all I am trying to do is to take it a ball at a time and react to each ball. I am just following the processes and I am pleased that it is working out well for me and helping me contribute to the team’s success.”

 

[silentkiller187]

Another brilliant knock from shan , not always been a fan but seems to have improved leaps and bounds over the last few years as a batsmen, so much so that it wouldn't be such a surprise if he was considered in the limited overs squads for pak too

 

[Nasty Naz]

Hard working lad. Has rightfully been rewarded. He was discarded after one horror series. He had racked up centuries against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and England before that horror series against NZ. Almost every Pakistani batsman struggled on that NZ tour.

Since his 156 vs England, he has 0, 1, 4, 18, 10, 0, 0, 0 and even the century had numerous missed catches/dropped chances. I don't see him as much of a Test player long term.

 

[Coolcapri]

So happy for him, Seems a very hard working guy like Riz...
Shown gr8 improvement and his handwork must be rewarded.
I hope he turn out be another gr8 player for Pak across format and carry his domestic foam to international cricket.
Aussies series could make or break his international carrier.

 

[NauV]

Since his 156 vs England, he has 0, 1, 4, 18, 10, 0, 0, 0 and even the century had numerous missed catches/dropped chances. I don't see him as much of a Test player long term.

Can you please put that in context with what others did in the same time period esp in NZ where we were routed? Can you also say what his returns were in the 3 or 4 innings immediately prior to the 156?

As I have written before, Shan Masood had the 2nd highest average and 2nd highest runs since his return to the team in South Africa . . Happy for Shan to be kicked out . . but there are bigger problems in the team . .
He went back and had a stellar domestic season . . for me, he is in the top 5 batters in the country

 

[hitthestump]

Since his 156 vs England, he has 0, 1, 4, 18, 10, 0, 0, 0 and even the century had numerous missed catches/dropped chances. I don't see him as much of a Test player long term.

He doesn't have to be spectacular, he just has to be better than everyone else.

If Shan averaged late 30's in tests between now and the end of his career that'd be enough given Pakistan's current condition.

 

[shamaan]

He needs to make sure that he performs against Australia.

 

[James]

Some of the opening partnerships between Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood in PSL7:

150
85
98
100
119

 

[Firebat]

With Abid out for the foreseeable future and Abdullah Shafique cementing one opener spot thus far, will we see the return of Shan in Tests to partner him against Australia?

 

[Nasty Naz]

He doesn't have to be spectacular, he just has to be better than everyone else.

If Shan averaged late 30's in tests between now and the end of his career that'd be enough given Pakistan's current condition.

Sure, but the problem is he hasn't even been that. Through 25 matches, he has an average less than 30 and his long FC track record isn't all that spectacular either.

I hope I am proven wrong but Tests wise, I just don't think he is that good long-term. Maybe he'll do well in the next few games because he is in form but it's a temporary fix IMO.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Shan Masood makes Imran Farhat look like a legend.

There is no point to this selection. Even if he does well, we know he will be exposed abroad.

Rather give it to Imam who has some potential (and age) to improve

Yes Shan is a nice guy, so was Shafiq, and we let him play more than 70 matches largely due to him being a nice guy.

 

[gazza619]

Shouldn't the thread be called Shan 3.0?

 

[shamaan]

Shan Masood makes Imran Farhat look like a legend.

There is no point to this selection. Even if he does well, we know he will be exposed abroad.

Rather give it to Imam who has some potential (and age) to improve

Yes Shan is a nice guy, so was Shafiq, and we let him play more than 70 matches largely due to him being a nice guy.

Imam is younger yes but his technique outside off stump and the short ball needs alot of improvement am sure he has been hit multiple times on the head.

 

[shamaan]

I will pick Shan ahead of Imaam for the first test.

 

[Markhor]

Shan Masood makes Imran Farhat look like a legend.

There is no point to this selection. Even if he does well, we know he will be exposed abroad.

Rather give it to Imam who has some potential (and age) to improve

Yes Shan is a nice guy, so was Shafiq, and we let him play more than 70 matches largely due to him being a nice guy.

Shan looked one of our better players against pace and bounce in South Africa and Australia a few years ago. He averaged 38 and 39 there respectively which is pretty good for Pakistani opening standards.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Shan looked one of our better players against pace and bounce in South Africa and Australia a few years ago. He averaged 38 and 39 there respectively which is pretty good for Pakistani opening standards.

the best he did was score one 50 in Aus. You need a lot more than that as an opener.

He doesn't have the ability to match his work ethic, that's just the sad reality. I have more hope from Imam. Letting him play at home will have a better return then letting Shan bat here

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I would be very disappointed if he doesn't play tomorrow and Imam does.

He has been in red-hot form in the QeA Trophy and the PSL. Would be utterly foolish not to capitalize on the momentum and give him a chance. Not to mention he averages 60 in Pakistan in his 3 tests here with 2 centuries to boot.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

the best he did was score one 50 in Aus. You need a lot more than that as an opener.

He doesn't have the ability to match his work ethic, that's just the sad reality. I have more hope from Imam. Letting him play at home will have a better return then letting Shan bat here

Sorry but I feel like you don't understand a thing about test cricket if you are making a statement like this. There are numerous cricketers in history of this game that were successful despite being touted as guys who didn't have "ability" or "talent" or any of these other euphemisms that people use to trivialize cricketers that aren't 'naturally gifted' or eye-'catching' to them. Its terms like these that trivialize a cricketer's actual ability and help avoid any real analysis of that player's strengths and weaknesses.

Fact is work-ethic and hardwork do matter more in test cricket than 'talent'. There's a reason why Dean Elgar is one of the best openers in the world right now (and possibly of this generation) despite being the textbook definition of a limited batter, and why Umar Akmal is Umar Akmal.

Shan has had many failures in his test career but he has had many notable successes too. He has scored tough runs in South Africa, a century in England, two centuries at home...and he looked fairly credible in Australia too. These are things that most Pakistani openers in the past decade cannot claim to have done. Above all though, Shan Masood is someone who seems committed to working on his weaknesses and constantly improving as a batter. And I would always have more faith in a guy like that than someone who everyone thinks has all the talent in the world...whatever that means.

Btw, you are scrutinizing Shan for scoring 'just' a 50 in Australia but why not apply the same objective analysis to Imam who looked like a deer caught in the headlights whenever he was peppered with the short ball there? He didn't even score that one fifty and averaged a Bradmanesque 1.00 in that same series.

Imam has played maybe 3 good innings in his entire test career and hasn't even scored a test century yet, but somehow he is a better option that Shan? Give me a break.

 

[Savak]

Shan paid a huge price for that shocking tour of NZ, he looked all at sea against Bolt, Southee and Jameson and to be fair it looked like he needed a break because his confidence and body language was totally shot by the end of that tour.

Apparently the guy flew down to South Africa to work with Gary Kirsten to iron out flaws in his batting. Previously he had flown to England to work with Alaister Cook's coach and he used to practice and bat non stop for 3-4 hours a day something he was not used to.

These are the kind of players I like and want in the team

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Shan Masood makes Imran Farhat look like a legend.

There is no point to this selection. Even if he does well, we know he will be exposed abroad.

Rather give it to Imam who has some potential (and age) to improve

Yes Shan is a nice guy, so was Shafiq, and we let him play more than 70 matches largely due to him being a nice guy.

Yeah just like he was in South Africa, one of the toughest countries in the world to bat in...

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Shan paid a huge price for that shocking tour of NZ, he looked all at sea against Bolt, Southee and Jameson and to be fair it looked like he needed a break because his confidence and body language was totally shot by the end of that tour.

Apparently the guy flew down to South Africa to work with Gary Kirsten to iron out flaws in his batting. Previously he had flown to England to work with Alaister Cook's coach and he used to practice and bat non stop for 3-4 hours a day something he was not used to.

These are the kind of players I like and want in the team

I agree. It was probably good for him to be dropped after such a shocker of a tour. Just to take a break and reflect on where he was going wrong. But if his performances in QeA Trophy and PSL are anything to go by, it seems like the trip to South Africa has benefited him because he has regained his confidence and come back revitalized. Which is why it would be utterly foolish to not capitalize on the momentum.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Sorry but I feel like you don't understand a thing about test cricket if you are making a statement like this. There are numerous cricketers in history of this game that were successful despite being touted as guys who didn't have "ability" or "talent" or any of these other euphemisms that people use to trivialize cricketers that aren't 'naturally gifted' or eye-'catching' to them. Its terms like these that trivialize a cricketer's actual ability and help avoid any real analysis of that player's strengths and weaknesses.

Fact is work-ethic and hardwork do matter more in test cricket than 'talent'. There's a reason why Dean Elgar is one of the best openers in the world right now (and possibly of this generation) despite being the textbook definition of a limited batter, and why Umar Akmal is Umar Akmal.

Shan has had many failures in his test career but he has had many notable successes too. He has scored tough runs in South Africa, a century in England, two centuries at home...and he looked fairly credible in Australia too. These are things that most Pakistani openers in the past decade cannot claim to have done. Above all though, Shan Masood is someone who seems committed to working on his weaknesses and constantly improving as a batter. And I would always have more faith in a guy like that than someone who everyone thinks has all the talent in the world...whatever that means.

Btw, you are scrutinizing Shan for scoring 'just' a 50 in Australia but why not apply the same objective analysis to Imam who looked like a deer caught in the headlights whenever he was peppered with the short ball there? He didn't even score that one fifty and averaged a Bradmanesque 1.00 in that same series.

Imam has played maybe 3 good innings in his entire test career and hasn't even scored a test century yet, but somehow he is a better option that Shan? Give me a break.

Imam has played what 11 test matches none in Pakistan, Shan has played 25. Im not an imam fan but id rather give him a go. If you look at what I said, it is that Imam is likely a better return on investment. I expect Shan to do well in these series, and then the humiliation to be repeated as soon as we tour. I am tired and jaded, I have seen this same movie with the likes of Imran Farhat and Facial Iqbal. Each time they had a comeback, there was some argument similar to yours.

Plus i think its obvious to point out the fallacy, of comparing the performances in Australia when they had vastly different levels of experience (not to mention Imam played one game).

Lastly, for you have to say about the term "Talent", it does matter in sport, and some people just have it more than others. It clear that Shan's hand eye coordination isn't great, he often gets beaten by pace. Each time I see him play in tests, its as if he is rushed.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Imam has played what 11 test matches none in Pakistan, Shan has played 25. Im not an imam fan but id rather give him a go. If you look at what I said, it is that Imam is likely a better return on investment. I expect Shan to do well in these series, and then the humiliation to be repeated as soon as we tour. I am tired and jaded, I have seen this same movie with the likes of Imran Farhat and Facial Iqbal. Each time they had a comeback, there was some argument similar to yours.

Plus i think its obvious to point out the fallacy, of comparing the performances in Australia when they had vastly different levels of experience (not to mention Imam played one game).

Lastly, for you have to say about the term "Talent", it does matter in sport, and some people just have it more than others. It clear that Shan's hand eye coordination isn't great, he often gets beaten by pace. Each time I see him play in tests, its as if he is rushed.

Did you watch him bat in South Africa? His excellent hand eye coordination and impeccable judgement outside the off-stump was the reason why he was our best batsman there and managed to score on some very tough pitches. Comparing him to Imran Farhat and Faisal Iqbal is utterly laughable considering none of them had the kind of successes in England and South Africa in their entire careers that Shan already has.

I didn't say talent does not matter in sport. It matters to an extent. But what makes the best players in the world has less to do with talent and more to do with hardwork, determination and work-ethic.

And in test cricket this is more true than perhaps any other sport.

 

[shamaan]

Imam has played what 11 test matches none in Pakistan, Shan has played 25. Im not an imam fan but id rather give him a go. If you look at what I said, it is that Imam is likely a better return on investment. I expect Shan to do well in these series, and then the humiliation to be repeated as soon as we tour. I am tired and jaded, I have seen this same movie with the likes of Imran Farhat and Facial Iqbal. Each time they had a comeback, there was some argument similar to yours.

Plus i think its obvious to point out the fallacy, of comparing the performances in Australia when they had vastly different levels of experience (not to mention Imam played one game).

Lastly, for you have to say about the term "Talent", it does matter in sport, and some people just have it more than others. It clear that Shan's hand eye coordination isn't great, he often gets beaten by pace. Each time I see him play in tests, its as if he is rushed.

I think one thing I expect from From imaam is that he does have a decently conversion rate in odis so that might help him go big in tests.I will also say Shan is proberly going to be better in SENA conditions but Imaam may have a better than in asain conditions.