NEWS
Follow UsPakistan Test captain Shan Masood has offered his support to struggling opener Abdullah Shafique who has scored 457 runs in his last 19 innings at an average of 24.05. Out of those, 201 came in one innings against Sri Lanka in Colombo. If we take out that innings, Shafique’s average drops to 14.22.
Masood, however, went on to compare Shafique with Virat Kohli, saying he has produced better numbers than what the Indian legend did at the start of his career. After 19 Tests, Shafique has scored 1372 runs at an average of 40.35, while Kohli got 1153 runs @ 37.19. Shafique has played four more innings than Kohli did.
Masood, who has been retained as Pakistan captain for the first Test against England, faced a fiery press conference on September 30 (Monday). “Have we still not come out of this liking and disliking in the team? We are continuing to give those (inconsistent) players chances...Shouldn't (batsman) Kamran Ghulam be given a chance from now on?... Be it Abdullah Shafique or Saim Ayub, the same set of players are playing the T20s and Tests,” asked a journalist.
In reply, Masood said, "With all due respect, I don't think your question is accurate...I agree that Pakistan hasn't played good cricket in 2024. If I back a player who becomes a good servant for Pakistan cricket and lose my own spot in the process, I will have no regrets.
“Things should be looked at objectively. You talk about stats. The other day I was reading a stat that Abdullah Shafique, who has played 19 Tests, has a better record than Virat Kohli.”
The first of the three Tests between Pakistan and England will be played in Multan, starting on October 7.
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