Test retirement might shorten Afridi's ODI career: Woolmer

Abu Dhabi, Apr 18 (UNI) Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has once again advised Shahid Afridi to rethink his decision to quit Test cricket as it might also spell the end of his one-day career because the swashbuckling allrounder would not have the longer version of the game to fall back upon in case he goes through a form slump in ODIs.

The Pakistan coach said he was trying his level best to get the message across to Afridi and get him to have serious rethink on his sudden decision.

''I am in discussion with Afridi. I feel he must play in Tests,'' media reports here quoted Woolmer as saying.

The flamboyant player announced his retirement from Test cricket until after the World Cup, saying that he wanted to focus his energies on the mega event. He also cited the long gruelling schedule of matches played by Pakistan as one of the reasons for his announcement.

But Woolmer is hoping that Afridi goes back on his decision as he remains a vital member of the team and if he doesn't then the Pakistan coach feels it won't be too long before Afridi is shown the door from both the Test and ODI teams in case his form dips.

''There is a possibility that if he fails in the shorter version of the game, he can find himself out of the Pakistan team in both versions. I hope he will reverse his decision,'' Woolmer said.

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