Tauseef Ahmed dubs Asad Shafiq as `world-class` post Gabba heroics

Karachi [Pakistan], Dec.19 (ANI): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee member Tauseef Ahmed has heaped praise on Asad Shafiq by describing him as a `world-class` batsman after the latter scored a century in his first day and night Test against Australia at the Gabba. However, Shafiq's valient efforts were not enough to avoid defeat against the Steve Smith-led side as they eventually lost the match by 39 runs. Labelling Shafiq as the future of Pakistan cricket, Tauseef admitted the way the former has regained his form during the first Test is commendable. "Asad [Shafiq] is our future and the way he regained his form during the first Test is commendable. He has proven himself as a world-class batsman. Any player from Asia who scores a hard-fought century in Australia gets the certificate of a top batsman and he has achieved that," the Express Tribune quoted Tauseef as saying. Chasing a world-record target of 490 runs to win, Pakistan's ninth-wicket partnership between `Man of the match` Shafiq (137) and Yasir Shah (33) raised hopes in the Pakistani camp which were soon shattered as the centurion fell prey to a brilliant bouncer by Mitchell Starc. Tauseef, who represented Pakistan in 34 Tests and 70 ODIs, also lauded the team's resurgence in the final innings before insisting that it would have immensely boosted the team's morale. "It almost feels like a victory after the way the team fought back following their first innings collapse. More importantly, the team has sent a stern warning to the hosts after such a spirited performance, and it will lift their morale for the remainder of the series as well," he said. Although the visiting side lost the opening Test, they received a flurry of admiration for their dogged fourth innings chase. Pakistan, who are now trailing 0-1 in the three-match series, will next lock horns with Australia in the second Test beginning at the MCG on Boxing Day. (ANI)