Should Malik be picked for the upcoming test series? [Archive] - PakPassion

Savak

27th January 2009, 16:34

Dont see why not? But he cannot play as a batsman alone. He needs to bowl a lot more, he needs to be an attacking offspinner. He can open the batting if it gives us an extra option to play an extra fast bowler or an allrounder.

Wazeeri

27th January 2009, 16:34

He doesn't have a place in the Test side as a specialist batsman. He just isn't good enough and his bowling is not penetrative enough to ever have a chance of getting a wicket.

The only thing working to his advantage is the fact that he plays really well against the Sri Lankans.

Savak

27th January 2009, 16:35

But most crucially is determing how Malik is coping with losing the captaincy after leading the team for the last 2 years. Its going to take some getting used to. I hope he recovers.

waqar_ahmad

27th January 2009, 16:36

One thing is for sure, afridi and malik can not be in the same Test team. Only one of them can play

Wazeeri

27th January 2009, 16:38

Place goes to Afridi then who is a better test batsman and a better bowler.

161

27th January 2009, 16:40

He deserves a spot .. but only as opener.

He's miles ahead of Khurram or Jamshed .. however I don't rate him at all as a test middle order batsman.

Dying to hear what Younis's opinion is on this.

Jahangir Khan

27th January 2009, 16:40

Malik has proven that he is a good player of spin thus deserves a place. I'd certainly have him in my Test side ahead of Afridi, especially with Afridi'd poor batting form.

Saj

27th January 2009, 16:43

I have never thought Malik was good enough for the test side and still dont. I'd rather we had a solid batsman at 5/6 with YK at 3 and Misbah moved up to number 4.

waqar_ahmad

27th January 2009, 16:44

On stats, yes. But remember, afridi hasnt done anything at all for a long time. I know we haven't payed any tests in 2008, but, his form in ODIs has been abysmal.

However, right now, if I were to pick between the two, I would afridi in tests as well. Although, I would drop both of them from the test team, and play someone new instead

Oxy

27th January 2009, 16:45

No

I see it as a form of punishment for his captaincy.

Legendary_Sage

27th January 2009, 16:46

I will play Asim Kamal or Umar Amin rather then opting for Malik in tests.

Jahangir Khan

27th January 2009, 16:57

What solid batsmen do we have that can replace Shoaib Malik at this moment in time?. Someone who is a proven performer against spin and has a good record against Sri Lanka. I'm not one for basing my judgements on one off performances but see the link below for a relevant past performance.

http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/238216.html

Regarding his captaincy, I admit that he was a bit slow at times especially in the field but Malik can't be solely blamed for Younis, Misbah, Akmal and Afridi flopping with the bat in all the matches. He can't be at blame for Shoaib and Tanvir being out of form. Malik himself did not play too badly in this series so we can't afford for him to be dropped. However, if the management feel his presence will disrupt the team, they might have to think again.

If Malik is dropped, I don't want to see him replaced by a youngster like Umar Amin who has barely played a few first class games.

Amjid Javed

27th January 2009, 17:01

I have never thought Malik was good enough for the test side and still dont. I'd rather we had a solid batsman at 5/6 with YK at 3 and Misbah moved up to number 4.

Agree 100% Now malik has to fight for a place in team and prove his worth. Id like to see Asim kamal and fawad Alam at 4 and 5 in test series v S.L

TaZ

27th January 2009, 17:05

Yes. Hes played the lankans well. Made a match saving 100 in the test series against the lankans in Sri Lanka and i remember him picking up some crucial wickets in the test series with England as well so he should play

McBoom

27th January 2009, 17:08

He should be dropped for all the saas-bahu dramay bazi that he has done over the last couple of years. And its not like he deserves a test place in the side based on his stellar test record anyways.

Geordie Ahmed

27th January 2009, 17:13

Yes BUT simply because i dont think we need to be making a raft of changes straightaway - youngsters can be introduced slowly

In the long run i cant see him lasting in the test side as potentially we have far better options

taqi

27th January 2009, 17:50

against spin he is far more better player then others
but i want umar amin or fawad to be given a chance

Uzi

27th January 2009, 19:03

No, he should not be in the test side.

Somebody else should be given the opportunity to cement a place in the test side.

By all means, keep him in the ODI team because he is a decent ODI batsman.

27th January 2009, 19:18

hmm this is certainly up for debate...not sure which way to go just yet

saj786

27th January 2009, 19:25

never rated him much as a test batsmen, there fore we should replace him with asim kamal who is a quality test bat, as for afridi he's basicaly in terrible form so he shouldn't be any way near the test squad

Boi

27th January 2009, 19:49

I would rather give Asim Kamal another chance!!
Asim is a pure test match player and is in good Domestic form!

saj786

27th January 2009, 19:57

I would rather give Asim Kamal another chance!!
Asim is a pure test match player and is in good Domestic form!
i cant under stand why he's not played more test matches than he has, he's got all the atributes, good technique, temperament, and a good player so he should be in the test side with out a doubt, :imran

Boi

27th January 2009, 19:59

i cant under stand why he's not played more test matches than he has, he's got all the atributes, good technique, temperament, and a good player so he should be in the test side with out a doubt, :imran

True bu I think he never had the 'LINKS' with PCB to get in! :afridi

naqlipathan

27th January 2009, 20:42

malik only deserves a place as opener

otherwise he does not deserve a middle order place (in tests)

better to play fawad alam

moekind

27th January 2009, 21:00

i cant under stand why he's not played more test matches than he has, he's got all the atributes, good technique, temperament, and a good player so he should be in the test side with out a doubt, :imran
he was given many chances as an opner but befor every series or half way he was injured.

Osman

27th January 2009, 21:01

butt
???
yk
fawad alam
misbah
asim kamal (but highly unlikely he is going to be picked) so if not then malik
sarfraz ahmed
gul
rao
sohail khan
danish

that would be my squad for the 1st test ... really not sure who should partner butt at the top

Prince of Pakistan

27th January 2009, 21:19

Let the team unite under the new Leader and LET malik fight in domestic for his place.

Savak

27th January 2009, 21:21

Let the team unite under the new Leader and LET malik fight in domestic for his place.

:)) :)))

Another thing he will have to learn to understand how it feels.

umairriazmirza

27th January 2009, 21:28

malik can only play at the opening slot..otherwise batting wise he dont deserve a place any where in the pakistan test eleven

Blistering Barnacle

27th January 2009, 22:42

It's pretty hard to think of a batting lineup for tests.

The only players I can think of that are automatic are YK, Misbah, and Butt.

That leaves another 3 batsmen to pick since Moyo isn't around.

Malik could be one of those three because of his experience. Who else is there?

Sultan Yusuf

27th January 2009, 22:55

No!

And even if malik is picked, what is he gonna wow us with? A struggling 20 odd runs......we'll hear all the "patriots" shout "VOT A FIGHTER".....

He's a non-entity and should only play if the top 6 of the 4th XI are injured....

TaZ

27th January 2009, 23:02

Did anyone actually see Maliks innings against SL in SL !!!?? There is no moYo and I'm all for new talent like fawad but come on

Kriketer

27th January 2009, 23:04

I would like to know what has Asim Kamal done in domestic that people here are suggesting him as a replacement for Malik. In between Afridi and Malik, I would pick Malik without thinking for a second just for the very reason that Afridi has done nothing to merit his place in Test. Afridi's bowling compared to Malik is pretty much the same, both aren't good enough to run through a line-up and in batting currently Malik is way ahead of him and has done well against Lanka so it's an easy pick. My line-up would look something like:

1, Salman Butt
2, Shoaib Malik
3, Yonus Khan
4, Misbah-ul-Haq
5, Umar Amin
6, Fawad Alam
7, Sarfaraz Ahmed
8, Umar Gul
9, Sohail Khan
10, Shoaib Akthar (fit)/ Mohd. Talha
11, Danish Kaneria

naqlipathan

27th January 2009, 23:04

fawad averages 57 in first class cricket and recently made 296 from 294 balls

butt
malik
nasir jamshed
Younis (captain so probably wont bat at same number 3)
fawad
misbah
sarfraz ahmed
umar gul
sohail khan
danish kaneria
mohammad aamer

Kriketer

27th January 2009, 23:12

And does anyone know whether Malik has done keeping in past? Malik as a keeper/batsman seems better than keeper/bowler, obviously if he knows how to keep. I think he has done keeping in the past, correct me if I am wrong.

hussein

27th January 2009, 23:14

you guys are talking nonsense

asim kamal? please this guy is well past his peak, too old to call him back

and misbah move up to 4? the guy is seriously getting bigged up 2 much, still not convinced by him...

bring in yasir hameed tho!

Inswinger

27th January 2009, 23:15

Salman Butt
Shoaib Malik
Younis Khan
Misbah-ul-Haq
Fawad Alam
Umer Amin/Azhar Ali
Sarfraz AHmed
Sohail Khan
Shoaib Akhtar/Talha/Anwar/Tanvir/Amir
Umar Gul
Danish Kaneria

hussein

27th January 2009, 23:16

Salman Butt
Shoaib Malik
Younis Khan
Misbah-ul-Haq
Fawad Alam
Umer Amin/Azhar Ali
Sarfraz AHmed
Sohail Khan
Shoaib Akhtar/Talha/Anwar/Tanvir/Amir
Umar Gul
Danish Kaneria

yes, lets bring everyone who scores over 30 for the battin gline up, and every1 who takes a wicket for bowling

Sultan Yusuf

27th January 2009, 23:18

Did anyone actually see Maliks innings against SL in SL !!!?? There is no moYo and I'm all for new talent like fawad but come on

ONE innings? Even Steyn has played ONE innings!

Inswinger

27th January 2009, 23:19

ONE innings? Even Steyn has played ONE innings!
I say give Malik an extended run as an opener. This will open up another spot in the middle for a true batsman,

Inswinger

27th January 2009, 23:20

yes, lets bring everyone who scores over 30 for the battin gline up, and every1 who takes a wicket for bowling
What would your team be??

Sultan Yusuf

27th January 2009, 23:24

I say give Malik an extended run as an opener. This will open up another spot in the middle for a true batsman,

He's already been tried and failed miserably and also on some flat pancakes too. How do think he'll fare on pitches with any sort of movement?

Enough of this "acommodating malik at all costs". It destroyed the balance of our team as well as quite a few promising careers such as Asim Kamal and Yasir Hameed.

If he can make it on merit as a middle order batsman, then fair enough. Currently, he doesn't so this speculation needs to end now.

We have two promising openers in Jamshed and Manzoor. One of them should partner Butt with the other as reserve. Time to give these kids a go....

Inswinger

27th January 2009, 23:27

pakistanbest

27th January 2009, 23:29

kamran akmal as batsmen would be good

Geordie Ahmed

27th January 2009, 23:29

Same applies for Yasir Hameed. Asim kamal deserves a shot.

BUT Malik is the hate figure - dont you get it?

Cue some non funnies like "Vot Vot"

Inswinger

27th January 2009, 23:32

BUT Malik is the hate figure - dont you get it?

Cue some non funnies like "Vot Vot"
Thats the sad part. I'm a fan Of Pakistani cricket and judge each player with the same criteria. I don't get why certain players are judged differently then others. SOme are smacked around for the slightest things and others re supported even after immense failure and inconsistency.

Sultan Yusuf

27th January 2009, 23:41

Thats the sad part. I'm a fan Of Pakistani cricket and judge each player with the same criteria. I don't get why certain players are judged differently then others. SOme are smacked around for the slightest things and others re supported even after immense failure and inconsistency.

The difference is - some players are limited, and some have a lot of natural talent that needs a bit of nurturing. Malik is too limited for the gamble to pay off - as I said earlier, what's the most he's gonna do on a regular basis? Struggle his way to a 30 or 40 or half century?

Someone like Yasir has more talent and if handled correctly is capable of a lot more than malik. I don't kow why some people have this love affair with limited players who allegedly show some commitment.

International sport is for he best and most talented players to showcase their talent. And even if some players are limited and rise above it, they have to do a lot more than malik's feeble attempts. Look at collingwood. He's possibly even more limited than malik, but he has quite a few test centuries to his name.

Oxy

27th January 2009, 23:46

Malik as a keeper/batsman seems better than keeper/bowler, obviously if he knows how to keep. I think he has done keeping in the past, correct me if I am wrong.

Jeez! Thats the most riddiculous suggestion this decade!!!

Why the need to keep him in the team - by creating a new position for him?

When he drops his 1st catch, he'll storm off in a huff!

Kriketer

27th January 2009, 23:50

He's already been tried and failed miserably and also on some flat pancakes too. How do think he'll fare on pitches with any sort of movement?

Enough of this "acommodating malik at all costs". It destroyed the balance of our team as well as quite a few promising careers such as Asim Kamal and Yasir Hameed.

If he can make it on merit as a middle order batsman, then fair enough. Currently, he doesn't so this speculation needs to end now.

We have two promising openers in Jamshed and Manzoor. One of them should partner Butt with the other as reserve. Time to give these kids a go....

Asim Kamal and Yasir Hameed are pretty much history. They were good players in the past but PCB destroyed their career and they recently haven't done much to be good enough to get a call for our Test side. I would rather go with newcomers like Umar Amin or Azhar Ali, and Malik has to be retained simply b/c he deserves it and not just for the sake of accommodation.

On_the_up

27th January 2009, 23:51

Malik's stats:
Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave BF SR 100 50
Tests 21 35 5 1076 148* 35.86 2510 42.86 1 6
First-class 80 123 15 3185 148* 29.49 7 15
He might be able to do a job short term, but long term Pakistan need to find a more prolific batsman, a FC average of under 30 isn't what test batsmen are made off. Take that one inns out and the test avg drops below 30 as well.

Kriketer

27th January 2009, 23:53

Jeez! Thats the most riddiculous suggestion this decade!!!

Why the need to keep him in the team - by creating a new position for him?

When he drops his 1st catch, he'll storm off in a huff!

I know it sounds odd but I thought he has done it in the past. If not then obviously no chance of him keeping. As a batsmen though I would take him ahead of Akmal or Sarfaraz on any given Test day.

Sultan Yusuf

27th January 2009, 23:58

Asim Kamal and Yasir Hameed are pretty much history. They were good players in the past but PCB destroyed their career and they recently haven't done much to be good enough to get a call for our Test side. I would rather go with newcomers like Umar Amin or Azhar Ali, and Malik has to be retained simply b/c he deserves it and not just for the sake of accommodation.

Errr 'deserves it' in tests?....why? Any particular cricketing reason. Or are just a "fan" of malik?

I kind of agree about the new players over yasir and kamal tho...

Inswinger

27th January 2009, 23:59

On_the_up

28th January 2009, 00:02

Some players take time to reach their potential. Younis Khan became a great batsman 4 years ago. His first 4 years he was pretty much average.
I believe he had a first class average of over 50 when he made his test debut, the potential was there, and he scored a century on his test debut as well.

Oxy

28th January 2009, 00:03

I know it sounds odd but I thought he has done it in the past. If not then obviously no chance of him keeping. As a batsmen though I would take him ahead of Akmal or Sarfaraz on any given Test day.

Has there ever been a successful below-average batsman, non-existent keeper - who has got into a team as batsman/wktkeeper.

Windies had The Dooj; England had Alec Stewart; Aussies had Gilchrist; Kiwis have MacCallum; Sri Lanka have Sangakarra...

And you are giving me Shoaib Malik??? Thats embarrassing.

Sultan Yusuf

28th January 2009, 00:05

Some players take time to reach their potential. Younis Khan became a great batsman over the last 4 years. His first 4 years he was pretty much average.

:)))

Come on - how long will malik's career be reliant on "time being given to him"? He wants time? Take time out and start improving his abysmal FC record. International games are not the arena to "realise your potential" - especially considering the realisation period is 8 years and counting...

An 8 year international career is enough to cement some sort of legacy - in fact 8 years is quite a lengthy career. Yet poor malik still needs "time" to prove himself!

As for YK?? Please do not compare!

Inswinger

28th January 2009, 00:05

I believe he had a first class average of over 50 when he made his test debut, the potential was there, and he scored a century on his test debut as well.
First class avearge rarely translates. I'm not in any shape or form comparing Malik to Younis but I believe that Malik (if he performs well in domestic matches) deserves a chance in the team over guys like Yasir Hameed or Faisal Iqbal.

On_the_up

28th January 2009, 00:08

I think we should give some new talent a chance first.

Inswinger

28th January 2009, 00:08

:)))

Come on - how long will malik's career be reliant on "time being given to him"? He wants time? Take time out and start improving his abysmal FC record. International games are not the arena to "realise your potential" - especially considering the realisation period is 8 years and counting...

An 8 year international career is enough to cement some sort of legacy - in fact 8 years is quite a lengthy career. Yet poor malik still needs "time" to prove himself!
In 8 years he's played 20 test matches.

Keep this in mind. I'm not saying that Malik is an automatic selection in the test team. I'm saying that if he performs well at domestic matches then he shouldn't be ignored.
Fair enough?
:D

Sultan Yusuf

28th January 2009, 00:11

In 8 years he's played 20 test matches.

Keep this in mind. I'm not saying that Malik is an automatic selection in the test team. I'm saying that if he performs well at domestic matches then he shouldn't be ignored.
Fair enough?
:D

Ok, that's quite a fair comment! Worded very well I must say!

Oxy

28th January 2009, 00:14

Ok, that's quite a fair comment! Worded very well I must say!

I'm disappointed in you!!!

Its 20 tests too many - arguably kept out a proper test batsman out of the team - who might now be reaching some sort of veteran staus by now!

Sultan Yusuf

28th January 2009, 00:21

I'm disappointed in you!!!

Its 20 tests too many - arguably kept out a proper test batsman out of the team - who might now be reaching some sort of veteran staus by now!

Good point!

the_game

28th January 2009, 01:44

He's a non-entity and should only play if the top 6 of the 4th XI are injured....

:))) QOTW!

He absolutely should not be in the test team. Time to move on from this lallu.

akpower

28th January 2009, 02:02

NO Malik for the next little while. He's become too political and needs break. Above all he doesn't command a place in the test side.

Also, GEO says that akmal will be relieved off his duties for the upcoming test series. Sarfraz will take his place. Hints at possible selections of Kamal and Faisal for the SL tests.

minhasuz

28th January 2009, 02:25

To be honest I hated Malik since first day and probably you guys hate him too maybe as a person or captain or a player but for me he might be the worst captain but he is very good cricket player he has always helped his team when they were in trouble, he has always performed. However, coming back to the point I personally believe he should be in the test side, he should open innings with Butt/Jamshed.

crichassan

28th January 2009, 03:30

For odi i guess yes but test? it all depand on his form in domestic matches. but i believe fawad diserve the spot.

mostakim

28th January 2009, 04:34

my team will b
salman butt
ahmed shehzad (in gr8 form at qae)
umar amin
younis khan
misbah
fawad alam
sarfraz ahmed
danish
gul
talha/rauf/aamer
aamer

the true passionist

28th January 2009, 05:20

Should Malik be in the team on the long term basis?

This question can only be answered in time depending on how he performs, and how good are his competitors.

Should Malik be in the team for SL test series?

The answer to this is yes. I say so because Yousuf and Malik have both been test regulars. Since Yousuf is out, we should not be throwing out Malik immediately. Let the youngsters fight for Yousuf's spot and once that is filled, we will see who challenges Malik.

DHONI183

28th January 2009, 10:48

He never was and still isn´t a test player:26:.......

Geordie Ahmed

28th January 2009, 10:52

I'm disappointed in you!!!

Its 20 tests too many - arguably kept out a proper test batsman out of the team - who might now be reaching some sort of veteran staus by now!

Yeah like Faisal Iqbal

Mythsmoke

28th January 2009, 10:55

he will play test matches because of that 'vile' term....seniority

Sultan Yusuf

28th January 2009, 10:58

Yeah like Faisal Iqbal

Malik is THAT poor that if I was forced to choose between the two for test cricket, I'd choose faisal every time.

Savak

28th January 2009, 11:23

If i were to play Malik in the test team, i would make him open the batting but the other condition is that he improves his offspinners and learns to become an attacking strike bowler again.

naqlipathan

28th January 2009, 12:45

Salman Butt
Shoaib Malik
Younis Khan
Misbah-ul-Haq
Fawad Alam
Umer Amin/Azhar Ali
Sarfraz AHmed
Sohail Khan
Shoaib Akhtar/Talha/Anwar/Tanvir/Amir
Umar Gul
Danish Kaneria
neither umar amin nor azhar ali are lower middle order players

the lowest they bat is no 3

natalia

28th January 2009, 12:57

Yeah, Malik can be a vital person in the team BUT THEN AGAIN Alam can be tried out as well.

Butt
Jamshed
Younis (c)
Misbah
Malik
Afridi
Shahzaib Hasan (wk)
Kaneria
Gul
Asif
Sohail Khan

28th January 2009, 13:06

Malik is THAT poor that if I was forced to choose between the two for test cricket, I'd choose faisal every time.

:))) :))) :)))

Inswinger

28th January 2009, 18:12

neither umar amin nor azhar ali are lower middle order players

the lowest they bat is no 3
To get into the team they need to make the most of their opportunities. They can't expect to walk into the tea at #3. If they perform well they can move up the order.

Inswinger

28th January 2009, 20:09

Newly appointed Pakistan captain Younis Khan backed his predecessor Shoaib Malik to remain in the team and promised an improved performance in the two-test series against Sri Lanka next month.

"Malik is a senior player and he is a regular member of the team," Khan said Wednesday. "He is like a younger brother to me. We talked on telephone yesterday and there's complete harmony among us."

Source (http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/28/sports/CRI-Pakistan-Khan.php)
I just hope that the harmony lasts longer then most people expect it to.