Asad Shafiq a ‘world-class’ batsman: Tauseef Ahmed
PCB selector hails centurion and asks critics to be patient with the team
Pakistan's Asad Shafiq was dismissed for 137 on the fifth day of the first Test against Australia in Brisbane on December 19, 2016. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee member Tauseef Ahmed has lauded the team’s valiant attempt to chase down what would have been a world record chase of 490 in the first Test against Australia at Gabba, and also heaped praise on man-of-the-match Asad Shafiq for scoring a stunning fourth-innings hundred despite it being his first-ever Test in Australia.
While talking to the The Express Tribune, Tauseef said that team’s resurgence in the final innings will boost the visitors' morale immensely.
“It almost feels like a victory after the way the team fought back following their first innings collapse,” said Tauseef. “More importantly, the team has sent a stern warning to the hosts after such a spirited performance, and it will lift their morale for the remainder of the series as well.”
The Misbahul Haq-led unit lost the opening game of the series by a mere 39 runs after a sublime batting performance by Shafiq, who scored a resilient 137 in the fourth innings to nearly pull off a miraculous victory, which had seemed impossible for large parts of the match.
Tauseef, who represented Pakistan in 34 Tests and 70 ODIs, praised the Karachi-born middle-order batsman Shafiq, who, according to him has earned the tag of a ‘world-class’ batsman after scoring a century in his first Test on Australian soil.
“Asad [Shafiq] is our future and the way he regained his form during the first Test is commendable,” said Tauseef. “He has proven himself as a world-class batsman. Any player from Asia who scores a hard-fought century in Australia gets the certificate of a top batsman and he has achieved that.”
The 58-year-old also defend veteran batsman Younus Khan, who got out while playing the reverse sweep on the fourth day of the match.
“Younus [Khan] and Misbah have achieved a lot for Pakistan and it is not fair to criticise them on the basis of a few performances,” he said. “It is a part of the game and Younus has a role to play in this series.”
Tauseef also asked the critics to give the team more time to show what they are capable of and tipped struggling leg-spinner Yasir Shah to bounce back.
“Critics should hold on to their judgement for a little bit longer,” he added. “They are playing in Australia after a long time and we should be a little more patient about the team’s performance.
“This fightback has set the series alight and I am hopeful that Pakistan will get positive results after a fighting performance.
“I believe Yasir will also bounce back; he was unfortunate as some chances were missed off his bowling. Overall, we are satisfied with his marathon spells.”
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee member Tauseef Ahmed has lauded the team’s valiant attempt to chase down what would have been a world record chase of 490 in the first Test against Australia at Gabba, and also heaped praise on man-of-the-match Asad Shafiq for scoring a stunning fourth-innings hundred despite it being his first-ever Test in Australia.
While talking to the The Express Tribune, Tauseef said that team’s resurgence in the final innings will boost the visitors' morale immensely.
Shafiq breaks record to keep Pakistan alive against Australia
“It almost feels like a victory after the way the team fought back following their first innings collapse,” said Tauseef. “More importantly, the team has sent a stern warning to the hosts after such a spirited performance, and it will lift their morale for the remainder of the series as well.”
The Misbahul Haq-led unit lost the opening game of the series by a mere 39 runs after a sublime batting performance by Shafiq, who scored a resilient 137 in the fourth innings to nearly pull off a miraculous victory, which had seemed impossible for large parts of the match.
Tauseef, who represented Pakistan in 34 Tests and 70 ODIs, praised the Karachi-born middle-order batsman Shafiq, who, according to him has earned the tag of a ‘world-class’ batsman after scoring a century in his first Test on Australian soil.
Pakistan can win this Test from here, says Mohammad Hafeez
“Asad [Shafiq] is our future and the way he regained his form during the first Test is commendable,” said Tauseef. “He has proven himself as a world-class batsman. Any player from Asia who scores a hard-fought century in Australia gets the certificate of a top batsman and he has achieved that.”
The 58-year-old also defend veteran batsman Younus Khan, who got out while playing the reverse sweep on the fourth day of the match.
“Younus [Khan] and Misbah have achieved a lot for Pakistan and it is not fair to criticise them on the basis of a few performances,” he said. “It is a part of the game and Younus has a role to play in this series.”
Tauseef also asked the critics to give the team more time to show what they are capable of and tipped struggling leg-spinner Yasir Shah to bounce back.
“Critics should hold on to their judgement for a little bit longer,” he added. “They are playing in Australia after a long time and we should be a little more patient about the team’s performance.
“This fightback has set the series alight and I am hopeful that Pakistan will get positive results after a fighting performance.
“I believe Yasir will also bounce back; he was unfortunate as some chances were missed off his bowling. Overall, we are satisfied with his marathon spells.”