Pakistan vs Australia ODI series: 5 Talking Points

#5. Opportunity for Malik to become full-time captain

Shoaib Malik could take over as full-time captain if Pakistan do well in this series

The four-match ban imposed on Sarfraz Ahmed put the responsibility of leading the Pakistan team on Shoaib Malik. Being a more consistent batsman than his full-time skipper, Malik was on surer footing while captaining.

The performance of his team against South Africa, where they lost the series but put up a very solid fight, has led to speculation that he may be given the responsibility on a full-time basis.

Whether Sarfraz has been kept out of the team to give him a rest or whether the intention of the selectors is to try out Malik’s leadership qualities can only be speculated. But it can be said with some certainty that if Pakistan win this series, it would be very hard to take the captaincy away from the veteran Pakistani batsman and hand it back to Sarfraz.

In essence, this series is a trial of Malik’s leadership qualities. If he is successful, it is almost certain that he will lead the men-in-green on to the field in England. This would engender another consequence, that of Sarfraz’s place in the side getting even more vulnerable. Interesting times lie ahead for Pakistan.