Speaking with PakPassion.net after the third day’s play of the 1st Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, Mohsin Khan paid tribute to the batting skills of Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq and spoke of his high hopes for revival of Shoaib Maliks career.

By Saj Sadiq (11th December, 2011)

Pakistan closed day 3 of the first Test match against Bangladesh in Chittagong in total control following a double century from experienced batsman Younis Khan and a first international century for Asad Shafiq. Bangladesh’s struggles continued in their second innings when they closed on 134 for 4 with the only positive for the home team being an exciting 54 run unbroken partnership between debutant Nazimuddin and Shakib Al Hasan. Despite the half century partnership, Bangladesh still trail Pakistan by 325 runs and are heading for yet another huge Test defeat.

Speaking with PakPassion.net after the third day’s play, Pakistan Coach Mohsin Khan paid tribute to 34 year old Younis Khan who has now amassed over 6000 runs in Test cricket and is amongst an elite group of Pakistani batsmen who have a career average of over 50 in Test cricket.

“Younis has proved himself as one of the best batsmen Pakistan has ever produced. It was sad to see him away from international cricket during the period that he didn’t play for Pakistan and I requested to him to start playing for his country once again. I’m very thankful that he responded to my call and the call of the Pakistan Cricket Board and returned to international cricket. His comeback has been nothing short of superb and it’s wonderful to see Younis in Pakistan colours playing so well and helping Pakistan cricket in this phase. Younis deserves a lot of credit for helping the Pakistan team making steady progress and improving in recent times.”

“The Pakistan team is in a rebuilding phase and it’s absolutely imperative that senior players like Younis Khan are there to help the younger players around him. It’s not just helping the younger batsmen but his experience is also invaluable to the bowlers who he often offers advice to. I’ve been really pleased with the effort on and off the pitch that Younis has put in and he has been a fantastic role model for the younger guys. Younis is a fantastic team man and someone who epitomises the passion of Pakistan cricket and really boosts the morale of all those around him. He’s been a fantastic help to the skipper Misbah ul Haq and I and I’m delighted with Younis’ effort since I took over as Coach.”

“As far as fitness is concerned, Younis and Misbah are as fit as 21 year old youngsters. Both of them take their fitness very seriously and it’s showing in their recent performances. Younis and Misbah are the senior players in the team and they are absorbing a lot of the responsibility. It’s difficult to say how long they can carry on playing international cricket but I don’t see any problems at all for either of them for at least the next couple of years.”

Asad Shafiq’s maiden international century after three half centuries was also something that Mohsin was delighted with and he expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the 25 year old from Karachi who he believes has a very bright future ahead of him.

“I have a lot of admiration for Asad (Shafiq). He has missed out on making a Test century on a few occasions and I said to him that the opportunity to score a Test match century does not present itself every day and that he needs to make full use of these chances. I was really pleased to see him score his maiden Test century against Bangladesh and it was a responsible innings. Both Asad and Azhar (Ali) are developing nicely. In my opinion Asad and Azhar are proper international batsmen and I see bright futures for Pakistan for both of these boys.”

“Technically there are one or two things that Asad needs to work on but he is working on those things but overall I see a great future for him in years to come and he and Azhar are batting assets for Pakistan.”

Whilst both Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq had every reason to be satisfied with their innings against Bangladesh, the recent form of former captain Shoaib Malik has been the focus of much debate and concern. Malik has only scored 23 runs in his last six innings for Pakistan but Mohsin backed the all rounder to bounce back from his slump in form.

“Shoaib is a fine all round cricketer and former captain of Pakistan. He picked up some wickets in the one day series against Bangladesh but I am emphasising to him that he is in the side as a batting all rounder not a bowling all rounder. He recognises his role in the side and we’ve had a few chats about what he is going through at the moment. All cricketers go through bad patches, go through losses in form but I have full faith in his ability and know that he will perform much better sooner rather than later.”

“I have a lot of respect for Shoaib as an all round cricketer and he is thinking about what is happening at the moment a lot and I think it’s a case of one good innings and the runs will start to flow again for him. His poor form with the bat is not due to a lack of effort, lack of hard work or complacency, he’s working very hard behind the scenes and I’m certain he will come through this lean spell. You don't become a poor cricketer overnight."

"Shoaib is not passed his best, he’s only 29 and it’s not as if he is reaching the end of his career. Other cricketers have gone through rough patches and I am sure he will get over this tough phase and prove that he still has what it takes to perform well in international cricket.”