In a shock announcement at the close of the third day's play, an emotional Malik, 33, said that the "time was right" to move on, only three matches after his five-year exile from the Test team had come to an end.

His decision came out of blue as he arrived at the end-of-day press conference with a piece of paper in his hand. The team's assistant manager informed the media that, before taking questions, "Shoaib want to say something".

His team-mates were also caught unawares. Mohammad Hafeez, talking to the host broadcaster outside the team dressing-room, was shocked when asked to give his reaction and Mushtaq Ahmed, Pakistan's spin bowling coach, was also taken by surprise.

"I am taking retirement from Test cricket and this is my last Test," Malik said in his statement. "I would like to thank my family, cricket board, my team-mates and my supporting staff as they have supported me all the way along. I think it's the right time to quit this format and I want to focus on the upcoming 2019 World Cup."