Asad Shafiq feels void left by Misbah, Younis will be felt in dressing room

Pakistan’s vice-captain Asad Shafiq is all set to take on the Sri Lankan challenge. The Pakistani team will be playing the islanders in the Test series commencing this Thursday. This will be Pakistan’s first Test after the retirement of their two big stars of the team – Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan. Also, it will be Pakistan’s first Test since the Lord’s Test in 2010 when Misbah and Younis will not be a part of the Pakistani Test team.

In such a backdrop, Asad Shafiq feels that the team will surely feel the absence of the two stalwarts in the side. As per the recent quotes in Geo.tv, Shafiq mentioned that the two players have been legends of the game. However, he sees this as an opportunity for the senior players in the team to step up to the occasion and take responsibility. The statements made by him are in contrast with the ones stated by coach Mickey Arthur who sees this as a beginning of new era in Pakistan cricket.

“Misbah and Younis’ absence would definitely be felt but now it is up to the experienced team players to fill the void,” quoted Asad Shafiq.

On the bowling attack

Shafiq also spoke on the quality of bowling attack that the team possesses. Pakistan have named five players in the squad who are yet to make their Test debuts. He had special mentions for Mohammad Amir, Yasir Shah, and Mohammad Abbas in the bowling department. He also praised young bowler Mir Hamza who has received a Test call up for the match.

The Pakistani vice captain added that the opposition also has a quality bowling lineup and it will be a good challenge for them. He is in no mood to take Sri Lanka lightly. “It’s a balanced team bowling and fielding wise,” mentioned Shafiq praising the bowling unit.