Vaughan critical of dropping ‘potential next captain’ Shadab for Fawad

Former England captain Michael Vaughan was left confused by Pakistan’s decision to drop all-rounder Shadab Khan for the ongoing second Test against England in Southampton.  

Pakistan replaced Shadab with middle-order batsman Fawad Alam, in the playing XI, but the latter was dismissed for a four-ball duck on the first day.

While speaking to Cricbuzz at the close of play, Vaughan questioned Pakistan’s selection and Alam’s technique.

“I don’t understand why they have made that decision to bring in a guy, who has not played for 11 years and is 34 years of age. It’s very typical of what Pakistan do. With that technique, he [Fawad] is basically facing the wrong way when the ball is being delivered. If the ball is moving an inch, he is going to get out,” said Vaughan. “I don’t think this was the time to play Fawad Alam.”

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The former right-hander also heaped praise on Shadab while touting him as a great cricket thinker.

“For me Shadab Khan is a wonderful cricketer. I think Shadab Khan can potentially be the next captain of Pakistan. When you have got a batsman like Shadab Khan, who has actually scored decent runs in England. He can bowl leg-spinners, he is a brilliant fielder, great in the team bubble and a cricket thinker,” he said.

“With Shadab Khan, I can pretty much guarantee that he will potentially get more runs than Fawad, bowl leg-spin, take a catch or two, create a run-out and be a great team player. I’m bit confused by that selection,” he added.

Opener Abid Ali scored a half-century but England’s pacers used the overcast conditions to their advantage to restrict Pakistan to 126 for five at the close of a rain-hit opening day of the second Test at the Rose Bowl on Thursday.