Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik suggested a change in the Test outfit ahead of the last Test of the three-Test series. Pakistan lost the Test series to Ben Stokes-led England with a 26-run defeat in Multan. The veteran cricketer took to Twitter and dropped the names of two players who have been waiting in the wings but did not get a game. Malik opined that former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and opener Shan Masood should be part of the playing XI in Karachi.
Malik who last played a Test match back in 2015 against England at Sharjah, spelt out that Pakistan will benefit from the duo in terms of the former's experience and the latter will stabilise the innings.
Malik tweeted: "In my opinion, Pakistan should include @SarfarazA_54 & @shani_official in playing 11. Sarfaraz will bring much experience & Shan will help this team to have more stability. I hope our team will perform well in Karachi insha'Allah."
Sarfaraz who could be the potential replacement for Mohammad Rizwan has played amassing 2657 runs from 86 innings at an average of 36.39 and last played a Test for Pakistan in 2019 against South Africa at Johannesburg. In contrast to his counterpart Rizwan who featured in 26 Test matches, has played 41 innings while amassing 1,347 runs at an average of 39.61.
Shan played a total of 47 innings and accumulated 1,378 runs at an average of 39.61. The dashing middle-order batter last played a Test match against New Zealand at Christchurch in 2021. Masood had a decent run during his County stint for Durham as well.
Malik is currently playing in the Lanka Premier League for Jaffna Kings where he became only the second batter to score 12,000 T20 runs, second to the self-proclaimed universe boss Chris Gayle.
Malik has represented Pakistan in 35 Tests. From 60 innings, he has scored 1,898 runs at an average of 35.14 including three centuries and eight half-centuries.
