The appointment of Mohammad Yousuf as Pakistan’s batting coach may bring some respite for struggling batter Abdullah Shafique as he looks to get his career back on track. Abdullah, who was recalled for Pakistan’s ODI series against New Zealand, will get to work with Yousuf, who believes he has figured out what is ailing the batter.
Mohammad Yousuf has expressed his reservations over Abdullah Shafique’s batting technique, particularly his stance and approach against spinners. Speaking in an interview via Samaa, Yousuf pointed out the key flaws in Shafique’s batting, which have been evident despite his initially impressive run-scoring years.
Yousuf acknowledged Shafique’s ability to score runs, particularly on easier pitches, but emphasized that his technique has failed him in crucial moments. “He has played on very easy wickets and scored runs there. But if you check his record, you’ll also see how many times he has failed,” said Yousuf.
One of the major issues, according to Yousuf, lies in Shafique’s batting stance, which he believes leads to his dismissals. “I’ve been telling him since 2021-22, when I was with him, that there are two main problems. But maybe he has no time, or he doesn’t want to understand,” Yousuf stated. “On every ball, there is such a big gap in his stance, and against spinners, his leg moves in such a way that when a left-arm spinner brings the ball in, he gets hit on the pads.”
Yousuf referenced Shafique’s dismissals against England’s left-arm spinner Jack Leach as a key example of the problem. “Leach got him out two or three times because he brought his leg inside,” he added, pointing to Shafique’s inability to correct his footwork against spin bowling.
The good news for the 25-year-old is that he is back in the international team fold, where he gets to work with Mohammad Yousuf once again to correct his flaws. If he can overcome his shortcomings, the future looks bright for the immensely talented opening batter. As Abdullah looks to salvage his international career, the upcoming tour of New Zealand will offer the first glimpse of whether he is willing to learn from the master of the game or if Pakistan will have to look for another opener in the near future.
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