'At times I could almost visualise Sachin Tendulkar. That is high praise, and I have told him that.'
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur heaped lavish praise on his batsman Asad Shafiq and also compared him with India's legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Shafiq, 30, posted a crucial century in the fourth Test against England at The Oval, a result that secured Pakistan a historic 2-2 draw and catapulted them to the top of the ICC's rankings for the first time.
Arthur, who has coached Australia and South Africa in the past, called Shafiq Pakistan's best batsman and said that the diminutive right-hander is so technically correct that he reminds him of Tendulkar.
"Technically, Asad Shafiq is our best batsman," Arthur told ESPNCricinfo.
"When he gets forward he is sideways on. Look at him: short, balanced, punches well off the front foot, cuts exceptionally well.
"At times I could almost visualise Sachin Tendulkar. That is high praise, and I have told him that."
Pakistan's series against the West Indies begins on September 23 with the first of three Twenty20 matches before three ODIs and the first of three Tests on October 13-17.
Arthur's side will then travel for two Tests against Black Caps in November before the first of three Tests against Australia, a day-night fixture at the Gabba from December 15.
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