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Shahid Afridi to retire from Tests
Cricinfo staff
July 16, 2010
Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan captain, has said he will retire from Test cricket following the second Test against Australia at Headingley starting on Wednesday. He has not yet informed the PCB of his decision. Salman Butt, the vice-captain, is likely to take over the leadership in the second Test.
"I was not very keen to play Test cricket but the board ask me to see how I felt," Afridi told Sky Sports. "My temperment is not good enough to Test cricket and we need a proper batsman or a proper bowler.
"I injured by side in the Asia Cup and am still struggling. I can't carry it in Test cricket where you need to be at full fitness. I'm enjoying one-day and Twenty20 so I'll concentrate on that. It's very difficult playing Tests after four years so it's better to leave this cricket.
In an interview to The Wisden Cricketer before the series began, Afridi had hinted he might not play Tests for long. "I'm confident I am fine fitness-wise," he had said. "But I came back to Tests because I am doing it for the team only. If I think I am fit to do it, I will continue playing Tests. Otherwise I will not burden the side."
Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, told Cricinfo that the board was not aware of the decision. "We'll make some decision when he comes and tells us but as of now we have not been informed," Butt said.
Afridi made the surprising announcement to BBC Radio after leading Pakistan in a 150-run defeat in the first Test at Lord's. He was out to rash shots, for 31 and 2, in each innings. Afridi said he no longer had the temperament for the five-day game after what was his first Test in four years.
Yawar Saeed, Pakistan's manager, told Cricinfo that Afridi had a side strain and felt "that he shouldn't keep a specialist out of the side."
"Temperamentally he feels not comfortable with the format so Leeds will be his last Test." Yawar said. "Salman Butt was appointed vice-captain for the tour and he will take over unless the PCB meets and decides otherwise. But as per procedure, he will take over."
More to follow .
Cricinfo staff
July 16, 2010
Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan captain, has said he will retire from Test cricket following the second Test against Australia at Headingley starting on Wednesday. He has not yet informed the PCB of his decision. Salman Butt, the vice-captain, is likely to take over the leadership in the second Test.
"I was not very keen to play Test cricket but the board ask me to see how I felt," Afridi told Sky Sports. "My temperment is not good enough to Test cricket and we need a proper batsman or a proper bowler.
"I injured by side in the Asia Cup and am still struggling. I can't carry it in Test cricket where you need to be at full fitness. I'm enjoying one-day and Twenty20 so I'll concentrate on that. It's very difficult playing Tests after four years so it's better to leave this cricket.
In an interview to The Wisden Cricketer before the series began, Afridi had hinted he might not play Tests for long. "I'm confident I am fine fitness-wise," he had said. "But I came back to Tests because I am doing it for the team only. If I think I am fit to do it, I will continue playing Tests. Otherwise I will not burden the side."
Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, told Cricinfo that the board was not aware of the decision. "We'll make some decision when he comes and tells us but as of now we have not been informed," Butt said.
Afridi made the surprising announcement to BBC Radio after leading Pakistan in a 150-run defeat in the first Test at Lord's. He was out to rash shots, for 31 and 2, in each innings. Afridi said he no longer had the temperament for the five-day game after what was his first Test in four years.
Yawar Saeed, Pakistan's manager, told Cricinfo that Afridi had a side strain and felt "that he shouldn't keep a specialist out of the side."
"Temperamentally he feels not comfortable with the format so Leeds will be his last Test." Yawar said. "Salman Butt was appointed vice-captain for the tour and he will take over unless the PCB meets and decides otherwise. But as per procedure, he will take over."
More to follow .
