Shoaib Malik to Replace Afridi in 2nd Aussies Test

Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik is set to replace outgoing skipper Shahid Afridi in the playing line-up for his team's second and final Test against Australia at Headingley.

Sources in the team management said Malik has managed to convince officials that he can contribute to the team's cause as Pakistan looks to square the two-match Test series after suffering a crushing 150-run defeat at the hands of the Aussies at Lord's last week.

Malik, one of the seniormost players in the Pakistan team following the exit of experienced batsmen like Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan, was dropped from the playing eleven for the opening Test after the team management found he was not showing seriousness in practice sessions.

The presence of his wife Sania Mirza, the Indian tennis starlet, was believed to be the major reason why the Pakistan team management decided that Malik was too distracted to give his best in the opening Test.

However, according to sources, Malik has shifted his focus completely to cricket and is all set to fill in for Afridi in the second Test. Afridi dropped a bombshell soon after the end of the Lord's Test match by announcing his retirement from Test cricket.

The only other change expected in the Pakistan eleven for the Headingley Test starting Wednesday is that of off-spinner Saeed Ajmal coming in for leggie Danish Kaneria.

Scores	Upcoming	Results
Australia vs Pakistan - 3rd T20I 3rd ODI - Sri Lanka v New Zealand - November 19, 09:00 GMT 1st Test - West Indies v Bangladesh - November 22-26, GMT 5th T20I - West Indies v England at St. Lucia No results 2nd ODI - Sri Lanka v New Zealand at Kandy Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets (with 6 balls remaining) (DLS method)

Related links

Pakistan v Australia Schedule 2010 News

Pakistan-Australia Lord's Test Was Fixed: Report [+]

Pakistan's alleged involvement in match-fixing seems to be getting bigger as reports claimed that their loss against Australia at Lord's is under ICC investigation.

PCB to Pay Prize Money to Victorious Players [+]

The Pakistan Cricket Board is to pay 500,000 rupees ($5,900) in prize money to each player in the team that defeated Australia by three wickets in the second Test at Leeds, England.

Koertzen Bows Out After Dramatic Last Test [+]

Rudi Koertzen said he would miss Test cricket as his 18-year international career came to a thrilling end in the series finale between Pakistan and Australia.

Pakistan Wins After 15-years in Thriller [+]

Pakistan beat Australia in a Test for the first time in 15 years after a three-wicket victory in the second Test on the fourth day at Headingley in Leeds.

Pakistan Face Anxious Wait for Victory [+]

Pakistan were left tantalisingly close to ending their 15-year winless streak against Australia at stumps on the third day of the second Test at Headingley.

Ricky Ponting Leads Australian Fightback [+]

Australia were 136/2 in their second innings, just 34 behind, when bad light forced an early close on Day 2 of the second Test against Pakistan at Headingley.

Gul Urges Batsmen to Make Most of Australia Rout [+]

Umar Gul urged Pakistan's batsmen to build a lead of 150-200 after helping rout Australia for just 88 on the first day of the second and final Test.

Seamers Gives Pakistan on Top Against Australia [+]

Headingley produced another of the extraordinary days that has littered its history as Australia were blown away for a paltry 88 before Pakistan built a lead of 60 with seven wickets in hand.

Malik In as Australia Opt to Bat Against Pakistan [+]

Australia captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat against Pakistan in the second and final Test at Headingley on Wednesday.

Won't Let Captaincy Burden Affect My Batting - Butt [+]

Newly-appointed Pak Test skipper Salman Butt assured that he wouldn't let captaincy pressures affect his form and said he was mentally prepared for job.