This Pakistani batsman reminds Mickey Arthur of Sachin Tendulkar

Head coach has made his pick among all players

Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur believes middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq is one player in the national team who reminds him of Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar.

“Technically, Asad Shafiq is our best batsman,” said Arthur while talking to ESPNcricinfo. “When he gets forward he is sideways on. Look at him: short, balanced, punches well off the front foot, cuts exceptionally well. At times I could almost visualise Sachin Tendulkar. That is high praise, and I have told him that.”

When asked if he is going to promote Shafiq up the order, Mickey said: “Technically your best player should be batting at No. 3. I was really impressed with Asad, who really wanted the opportunity to bat up the order. He batted up the order at The Oval after getting a pair in Birmingham. And then got a hundred, and that says so much for his temperament and skill.”

Moment of frustration

The 38-year-old had to go through a lot of disappointments during the tour to England but one moment was above all the rest.

“There was a moment of frustration where I threw my cap down where Amir had a catch dropped off his bowling, because he deserves better,” he said. “There were about six catches dropped off his bowling. Amir ended up taking 12 wickets in the series at 42. If those six catches were taken he would have ended up with an average in the early 20s. Then you would have said he has had an unbelievable series.”

How to maintain top Test ranking?

The South African saw Pakistan elevate to number one in Test rankings after 2-2 draw against England in the four-match series but the important question now will be if Misbahul Haq and his men can maintain it? Arthur says Misbah knows what they need to do.

"I said to Misbah the other day: ‘how do we do it’? He said, ‘we just have to win every Test we play’,” revealed Arthur. “India are playing 13 Tests at home and barring three Tests against West Indies in the UAE, we are playing three Test series overseas — in New Zealand, Australia and the West Indies.”