Shoaib Malik, Pakistan’s top-order batsman and off-spinner, announced his Test retirement after the third day’s play of the third Test against England in Sharjah on Tuesday (November3).
Revealing his decision in a press conference, Malik reckoned the time was right for him to move on.
I have decided to retire from Test Cricket, will post my retirement blog soon. Please remember me in your Duas, love you all & thank you ??
— Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik) November 3, 2015
Malik, who has played 35 Tests for Pakistan, made a comeback into the Test side after a gap of five years, replacing the injured Azhar Ali in the ongoing series against England in UAE. He celebrated his return with a career-best knock of 245 in the first Test in Abu Dhabi and career-best figures of 4 for 33 in the ongoing game in Sharjah – the second achievement coming on the day of his retirement announcement.
Malik hangs up his white flannels with 1898 runs – including three centuries – and 29 wickets. In an emotional press conference after the third day’s play on Tuesday, Malik said,”We have some good youngsters and now is the time to retire. Family comes first. I want to focus on the 2019 World Cup.”
