ISLAMABAD - Former Pakistan Test pacer Sarfraz Nawaz termed lack of planning behind green shirts loss in the second Test against New Zealand.
Talking to The Nation, Sarfraz said: “New Zealand skipper made a very sporting and courageous decision of declaring the innings. Pakistan should have gone all out for victory. Misbah should have made changes in batting order. He should have sent Sarfraz Ahmed in his place, as the wicketkeeper batsman could have struck some lusty blows and ensured an entertaining run-chase, like he did against Sri Lanka, when Pakistan chased down 300 plus target very successfully.
“I don't understand after playing for more than 15 years, Taufeeq Umar has yet to cement his place in the squad. Why time and again he is given chance one after another, he had well passed his peak, so instead of experimenting with same used bullets, fresh blood must be inducted, which will help the team and the country a great deal in finding and grooming talent,” he said.
“I strongly recommend the team selection committee must consider the likes of Babar Azam, Haris Sohail and Sami Aslam, who have scored loads of runs and deserve a chance to play for the national team. Haris should have been included in the team instead of Taufeeq while Azhar Ali could have easily opened the innings like he had done in the past. Haris' presence in the middle order could have boosted Pakistan batting.
When asked about whether dropping Imran Khan in the second Test a right move, he termed it perfect adding Imran didn’t have the pace, while Ehsan Adil could bowl well with pace and could disturb the batsmen. “I strongly recommend Ehsan who can bowl with more pace and venom, and it will definitely help him to take loads of wickets.”
Sarfraz said the absence of Ahmed Shahzad and Hafeez hurt Pakistan opening combination. “Ahmed and Hafeez played exceptionally for Pakistan against Australia and New Zealand. Injury to Ahmed especially weakened Pakistan batting order, while Hafeez had to leave the team to go to England to clear his action. Pakistan bowling suffered in Hafeez' absence, as the team played with one less spinner. We don't have any all-rounder in the squad now, I believe the selectors should have asked for a replacement and a spinner should have been drafted.” “Sharjah track is known for ball keeping low, helping the spinner at the later stages of the match. The toss can play the vital role in the outcome of the third and last Test. I urge Misbah to enter the match with positive frame of mind, adopt a clear-cut winning mentality and play natural aggressive game, which will put Kiwis under pressure, as they will go all out to win the third Test to level the series, while Pakistan just need a draw to win back-to-back series,” he added.
“If Misbah enters the match with cautious and defensive approach, I fear, Pakistan may land in trouble and there is every possibility, Kiwis may carve out victory. Pakistan team needs to focus on the game, improve their opening stand and try to bowl according to the conditions, which will be the best policy and results will more than the desired ones,” Sarfraz concluded.