Afridi retires from Test cricket

LONDON: Barely over a year after Younus Khan announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals following Pakistan’s triumphant 2009 World Twenty20 campaign at Lord’s, Pakistan’s Test captain Shahid Afridi announced that the second Test against Australia next week will be his last.

The decision to end his short-lived return to the longest format of the game - after a four-year self-exile - came in the wake of Pakistan’s 13th consecutive Test defeat against Australia - a 150-run loss on the fourth day of the first Test at Lord’s.

“A captain should set an example for the youngsters and for his team and I didn’t show any of that in the Test,” said Afridi, who was dismissed for a four-ball two slogging Marcus North to midwicket. “I’m not capable of playing Test cricket and if I play cricket like this, then it’s better to leave.

“I don’t have Test temperament and you can’t play without that. It’s better to have young players, a genuine batsman or a genuine bowler to lead the team.”

Afridi also blamed a side injury, picked up during the Asia Cup last month, as another reason to walk away from Test cricket. While refusing to confirm his fitness level, it will not be surprising if Afridi is unable to take on the field at Headingley in the Test that starts on Wednesday.

“Unless you’re 100 per cent fit, you can’t perform in Test matches. I’m not 100% right now and things may become clearer in a day or two.”

Afridi was appointed captain of all three formats of the game by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) just before naming the team for the 2010 World Twenty20, Pakistan’s title-defence in the West Indies. Then, reluctant to make a Test comeback, Afridi refused to commit his long-term future to Test cricket but opting to take up the captaincy due to the lack of options the PCB had.

In the wake of the Australian whitewash earlier in the year, former captains Mohammad Yousuf, Younus Khan and Shoaib Malik were banned by the PCB and although Malik made his comeback courtesy a change-of-heart at the board, Yousuf and Younus are still in the wilderness due to various reasons.

“I took up the captaincy because the PCB told me to go have a look and see if I still enjoy Test cricket. At that time, they had no other choice so I took the responsibility. But it’s difficult to get back into it after such a long absence. My temperament is not good enough for five-day cricket and I’m struggling with injury as well so it’s best if I step down.”

However, PCB officials have confirmed that PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt has spoken to Yousuf and requested the former captain to reconsider his decision to retire from international cricket. While Yousuf may join the team as early as the first Test against England in Nottingham, Younus, currently playing for Surrey, confirmed to The Express Tribune that he has no such plans as things stand.

According to Afridi, however, Salman Butt, who scored 63 and 92 in the match, seems a natural successor to lead the young squad.

“Butt is showing maturity, he’s batting well and playing good cricket and I think he’s good enough to lead the team but the final decision will have to be made by the board.”

Former cricketer Tauseef Ahmad

“It was yet another poor batting display in this format of the game. It’s like we are not out of the Twenty20 and one-day cricket mode and still don’t play Test cricket the way it’s supposed to be played.”

Former captain Inzamamul Haq

“Pakistan’s batting and bowling was never really balanced in the Test. Experienced players are vital and should have been included the team. We can not win a Test with an inexperienced side.”

Former cricketer Jalaluddin

“Our batting lacks top class ability to sustain international pressure. Our bowling as expected played its part but our batting failed to grab opportunities that clearly shows we have no quality players for this form of cricket.”

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi

“The coaches are trying hard with the batsmen but they - and I - need some more temperament to play Test cricket. Australia are very professional, very strong and we should be more strong from playing against these guys as well.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2010.