SHARJAH: Surprising everyone, Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik announced his retirement from the Test cricket after the conclusion of the third day of the third Test against England in Sharjah. Revealing his decision at a press conference, the top-order batsman and off-spinner, Shoaib Malik said that he feels this as the right time for him to retire from the Test format.
It has been a comeback for Shoaib Malik into the Test side after a period of five years, as he was recalled as a substitute for the injured Azhar Ali. The all-rounder played his career best knock of 245 in the first innings of the first match against England on his return. He also recorded his career best bowling figure of 4-33 in the ongoing match at Sharjah.
Before the start of an official press conference after the third day game of the third test at Sharjah, the team manager of Pakistan said that Shoaib had something to say before beginning their questions. Holding a piece of paper Malik announced: “I have decided to retire from the International Test cricket and this will be my last Test. I thank my family, the PCB, my support staff and the team for supporting me through out the career”.
The unexpected news surprised Mohammed Hafeez and his teammates apart from the media personnel, as the news comes at a time when the all-rounder was performing well.Hafeez said that he did not expect Malik to retire at this stage.
When asked about the reason behind his retirement, Shoaib said ” I personally feel this scenario as the right time for me to announce my retirement. We have some good youngsters and it is the time for me to step down”.
The all-rounder has scored a total of 1898 runs in the Test cricket, including three centuries and 29 wickets. Shoaib Malik now aims to focus on the 2019 ODI World Cup, the CricBuzz reported.
