After Pakistan’s devastating 360-run loss to Australia, national team director Mohammad Hafeez defended Sarfraz Ahmed and other senior players, saying no judgement can be taken after one match of aus vs pak.
“[Inclusion of] senior players doesn’t mean only they have to perform […] Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam are not the only ones responsible for good performance,” Hafeez told the media in Perth following the first Test between the Green Shirts and the Kangaroos.
AUS vs PAK: Hafeez defends Sarfraz after Perth Test nightmare
Pakistan were eliminated for 89 runs when chasing a 450-run mark, with Saud Shakeel scoring the most with 24 runs. Nathon Lyon and the home team’s pace attack ended the Men in Green’s unlikely chance of winning their first Test in Australia since 1995 in four days. Lyon won 2-18 after the visitors succumbed meekly when seeking 450. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood both took three wickets. Pakistan were dismissed for 271 in their first innings, responding to the hosts’ 487, and Australia declared at 233-5 on the fourth day.
He acknowledged the national team’s batting failure and noted that wicketkeeper batter Sarfraz Ahmed has played well in recent matches and is the management’s top pick. Pakistan has had many performances from Sarfaraz. He excelled in the Pakistan-New Zealand series. You prioritise your best performers from the recent series even though five to six months have gone. Sarfaraz didn’t perform well in this match, as expected,” Hafeez stated, defending his inclusion.
However, we can’t change our minds after one match. Sarfaraz has toured Australia, South Africa, and England in these conditions. Not new to these conditions, he’ll struggle to adjust. His batsmanship and keepership were disappointing. He emphasised that this doesn’t imply we should dismiss someone’s abilities or declare they can only play under particular situations.
The source added that the management has all choices and cannot base a decision on Sarfraz’s performance in one match. Mohammad Rizwan can play well for the team, but the Sydney pitch and conditions will determine his inclusion. Hafeez’s comments came when Sarfraz, 36, struggled with the bat, scoring 3 and 4 in two innings and losing to Mitchell Starc.
