Mohammad Hafeez: “Shan Masood (53 average) or Abdullah Shafique could be better options as [number three] batters in [the] ODI format if Babar Azam is injured or rested for some reason, considering [the] next World Cup in South Africa”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez believes batsmen Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique are the ideal replacements for Babar Azam in ODIs should he get injured or need to be rested.
Masood has not played ODI cricket since May 2023, but Hafeez pointed out that he boasts an average of 53 in List A cricket.
As for Shafique, he currently averages 29.48 in ODI cricket, but has been in good form lately, particularly in Tests.
“Shan Masood (53 average) or Abdullah Shafique could be better options as [number three] batters in [the] ODI format if Babar Azam is injured or rested for some reason, considering [the] next World Cup in South Africa,” Hafeez said on X.
Azam recently captained Pakistan in their two-Test series against the West Indies, which Masood and Shafique were part of as well.
Azam finished with 193 runs, which included two fifties, at an average of 96.50, while Masood made 112 runs in one game, which included a top score of 109.
As for Shafique, he also featured in one match and amassed 184 runs, which included a spectacular 160 not out.
Pakistan are now taking on England in a three-Test series and find themselves 1-0 down after losing the 1st Test in Leeds by an innings and 103 runs.
Azam missed the match due to a finger injury, while Masood made scores of 5 and 29.
Shafique, meanwhile, struck 61 and 15.
The 2nd Test between Pakistan and England got underway on August 27 at Lord’s.
Pakistan Squad for England Test Series: Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah