Shoaib Malik at the cross-roads

Pakistan has let go of another impressive record that they held for almost three decades - that of not losing a test series in India. The series was lost, as was the pride, and familiar problems rose up to the surface: none more critical then the captaincy.

Question-marks on the Pakistani captain, Shoaib Malik, have been raised about his influence within the team, his strategies on the field, as well as his place in the side. For starters, he is still very raw as a leader and will need more time to show his mettle. However, his body language in the one-dayers sometimes reminded one of Inzamam-ul-Haq's era.

He looked confused, to put it softly. His bowling changes were unintuitive, and his batting orders, at times, lacked common sense. Despite of that, he should be given an extended run in the shorter version of the game because he is still young and commands a place in the ODI line-up. Also, in spite of the criticism, he is still regarded by quite a few experts as someone who has it in him to lead Pakistan in a capable fashion for the medium term.

It is in the Tests where there are some serious doubts on his eligibility not just as a captain, but more embarrassingly, as a player as well. It should be noted that he has played certain very solid and crucial knocks in the longer format. However, his general storyline has been getting out while trying to settle in and his technique has been found wanting. In tests, he does not seem to have the skill in bowling or batting the command respect of youngsters and the oldsters alike, and that is a huge detriment if you are a Pakistani cricketing captain.

Nevertheless, what concerned me the most on the Indian tour was how Malik tamely sat out the last two tests. In the words of a commentator in the third test, it was just a 'precautionary measure'. With series on the line, and the visiting side needing every help they can get, one would think having their captain back in the side would have been a fair boost. This reminds me of how Inzamam, on his debut away tour as skipper, sustained a back injury half-way through the test series and sat out the rest, when he might have been able to fight it out to give his side the morale boost.

That said, Younis has done himself no harm by showing his willingness to be Test captain if offered. That is a forthcoming gesture, and it might just keep Malik on his toes because he would know that he has an able candidate in Younis to replace him whenever he slacks. Some cricket circles have also been calling for Misbah-ul-Haq to replace Malik. That is preposterous. This was his first full away tour as a regular member of the playing XI. I would not think he would want to play skipper while still getting used to international cricket. The fans, as well, would not want Pakistan's best batsman of the tour to potentially diminish away due to the pressures that come with what arguably is one of the toughest jobs at the world circuit.

For now, though, Malik has retained his position as captain of Pakistan. However, I would not read too much into Nasim Ashraf’s promise of the appointment running through 2008. Another disappointing series loss and Malik could be a goner.