listento_me
U19 Captain
Just saw an interesting article on Cricinfo about Shafiq being an unsung hero of Pakistan's rise in test cricket and tbh, I've overlooked him too but just having a look through the 7 test series and 20 tests in which Pakistan went unbeaten, the guy managed to average 50 largely at number 6, with a spattering 5, 7 and even 3. It gets better, 5 centuries and 8 fifties. I think he has surpassed Sobers runs at number 6 but I'm not sure. All this while not getting to bat in 8 innings, which is a pretty significant chunk. If he had regularly batted at 3-5 where the teams best batsmen normally bat, you can be sure he would not have had 8 missed innings, even with Pakistan's ransacking of Australia.
Along with Khan, Misbah and Ali, Shafiq has been a giant for Pakistan in this period and the fact that he has scored a century in SA, England AND Asutralia are even better, considering neither Root nor Kohli have managed that trinity. Unsung hero indeed.
Oh and let's not forget his average jumps up to 63 in matches Pak have won. This guy is a contributor when it matters most.
I'm going to be appreciating him a lot more from now on.
Along with Khan, Misbah and Ali, Shafiq has been a giant for Pakistan in this period and the fact that he has scored a century in SA, England AND Asutralia are even better, considering neither Root nor Kohli have managed that trinity. Unsung hero indeed.
Oh and let's not forget his average jumps up to 63 in matches Pak have won. This guy is a contributor when it matters most.
I'm going to be appreciating him a lot more from now on.