4 Nov 2015

Shoaib Malik to retire from Test cricket

6:42 am on 4 November 2015

The Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik is to retire from test cricket at the end of the current match against England in Sharjah.

Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik

Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik Photo: PHOTOSPORT

33 year old Malik made a shock return to test cricket at the beginning of the three-match series in the United Arab Emirates, marking his comeback with a career-best 245 in Abu Dhabi.

He has since scored 47 runs in five innings, including a golden duck in his last one today, but he did record his best test bowling figures of four for 33 on the day he announced his retirement.

"We have some good youngsters and now is the time to retire," Malik, who made his test debut in 2001, told reporters.

He scored more than 1,800 runs in 35 tests.

Meanwhile Pakistan's veteran opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez compiled a brilliant 97 under pressure to lead his side's comeback in the third and final Test against England in Sharjah.

Hafeez led his side to 146 for 3 on the third day of the series decider, which gave Pakistan a lead of 74 runs with seven wickets in hand.

England were bowled out for 306 in their first innings.

Pakistan won the second Test in Dubai and the first test in Abu Dhabi was drawn.