ISLAMABAD – Shoaib Malik has drawn in plenty of criticism following hisback-to-back ducks against Australia and India.
Despite having a poor record in England, Pakistan team selectors and theteam management have stuck with Malik on the expense of a more deservingHaris Sohail. Even Asif Ali would have been a better bet than Malikconsidering Malik’s not-so-great all-round abilities.
The 37-year-old is still being picked in the playing XI merely because ofhis seniority, something which has punished Pakistan badly in the World Cupand has been visible on the field as well.
A list of worst batting averages in the UK was issued recently and itmostly consists of England’s own players.
When it comes to numbers, Shoaib Malik has an average of 13.07 in the UK,finding himself in the company of England’s bowlers only.
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Here are the worst batting averages ever in England (minimum 20 innings):
– 10.15 – James Anderson – 11.95 – Daren Gough – 12.83 – Graeme Swann – *13.07 – Shoaib Malik* – 13.55 Stuart Broad
The team management’s persistence with Malik raises a number of questionsconsidering they already have other players to fill his shoes. Even Shadaband Imad have regularly shown that they have more potential as genuineallrounders if given a proper chance.
