Pakistan coach backs under-fire Shoaib Malik
June 15, 2019
MANCHESTER: Pakistan’s head coach Mickey Arthur has backed the under-fire Shoaib Malik saying that it is unfair to say that all-rounder has failed in the tournament.
The 37-year-old all-rounder fell for a duck against Australia last week. Earlier, he could score just 8 runs against England in Nottingham, a game in which other Pakistan batsmen looked very good.
“Shoaib Malik didn't play the West Indies team because of balance of team. He batted in the last three overs against England and failed against Australia,” Arthur said.
“So to say he's failed, there's not much of a barometer just yet. That will be determined over the next couple of games.”
The head coach added that the game against India is a real opportunity for Shoaib Malik to show what he has got and his experience will be important for otherwise a young Pakistan team.
“Shoaib Malik brings a hell of a lot to our dressing room. He is an incredible team man. He has incredible skills, and I'm hoping that, on the biggest stage tomorrow, those skills come to the fore,” Arthur said.
“This is still a fairly young cricket team. Shoaib Malik's experience, Mohammad Hafeez's experience tomorrow will go a long way out in the middle to help these young boys through it.”
