Shoaib Malik credits Sania Mirza for supporting him during tough phase

Malik played his last international Test against England at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

New Delhi: Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik, who has announced retirement from Test cricket, on Thursday thanked his star wife Sania Mirza for supporting him during tough times.

Malik, who was part of Pakistan's series winning squad against England, said that he learnt a lot from Sania during the phase when he was discarded by the selectors for five years.

"Those five years, I have spent a lot of time with my wife. I have learnt a lot. Not just in sports, but in routine life as well. She has been a great support so far. I feel proud when she does well. I want to wish her to keep playing and make me proud," Malik said.

The 33-year-old also said that he missed playing Test cricket in those five years.

"That's right. But it is part of life. I wanted to play all formats in those five years. I did play some matches in limited-overs cricket, but I didn't play a single Test match in those five years. Of course disappointment is there. I have no regrets though," Malik added.

When asked if enough is being done to promote Test cricket, Malik said that youngsters need to focus more on the traditional format.

"I would say Test cricket is real cricket. If you do well in Tests, I think you get confidence to do well in ODIs and T20s as well. I would advise all youngsters to focus on Test cricket," as Malik signed off.

In his last international Test, Malik was dismissed for a duck in the second innings but made an impact with the ball as he scalped seven wickets in both innings.

Malik had made a Test comeback for Pakistan after five years when he was included for the first Test aaginst England and he repaid the faith of the selectors with a magnificent 245-run knock.