Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur has compared middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq to none other than the Indian batting maestro 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 visualize 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.”
Recently, Shafiq scored a brilliant century in the fourth Test against England at The Oval, a result that secured Pakistan a historic 2-2 draw. The draw also took them to the top of the ICC's rankings for the first time.
Pakistan is scheduled to play two Twenty20 internationals, three Tests and three one-day internationals against West Indies. The long tour begins on September 23.
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