Shafiq to make way for Azhar, says Pakistan bowling coach

Mahmood believes middle-order batsman needs to be more consistent to remain in ODI side

Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood said on Saturday that ODI captain Azhar Ali will play tomorrow’s match in Sydney, with middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq making way for the 31-year-old.

Azhar sustained a hamstring injury during the first ODI and missed out on the next two matches. All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez skippered the side in Azhar’s absence.

Speaking to the media at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Mahmood said that Azhar has completed his rehabilitation and is likely to play on Sunday.

“He’s [Azhar] done all the rehab and everything,” said Mahmood. “He’s pretty much sure he’ll play and the physio is sure he will play.”



Responding to the question of who the skipper will replace in the playing 11, the bowling coach said that Shafiq is likely to sit out in Sydney.

While Shafiq has been a mainstay for Pakistan’s Test side, he has averaged less than 25 from 60 ODIs, managing scores of just 13 and five against Australia in the series. However, the right-handed batsman has an average of 41 in the longest form of the game and has 10 Test centuries to his name.

“He’s [Shafiq] a quality player, there’s no doubt about that,” said Mahmood.



“It’s just a matter of being consistent in the one-day side. He’s been playing in Test cricket and is settled at number six and he’s done wonders for Pakistan cricket.

“In terms of one-day cricket, he has to play more consistently and get his numbers right,” he added.

Pakistan currently trail the five-match series 2-1 and must win the next game to keep the series alive.