Head Coach Misbah reveals why 'second-best' Sarfaraz Ahmed will be benched during Eng tour

From leading Men in Green in 2019 ICC World Cup to being dropped from team and stripped of captaincy, Sarfaraz Ahmed's journey in Pakistan cricket has been filled with ups and downs. As international cricket eyes resumption post halt due to Coronavirus outbreak, Sarfaraz too looks forward to cementing his place in Pakistan team as country's national board named him in 29-men squad to tour England. However, Head Coach cum Selector Misbah Ul Haq revealed on Friday that Ahmed would be back-up wicketkeeper to Mohammad Rizwan.

Reflecting upon Sarfaraz's selection, Misbah stated that he is still Pakistan's 'second-best' option and that is why he has been picked up for 'lengthy' England tour. Speaking to ESPNcricinfor, Misbah opined that Sarfaraz was dropped because of poor form, but has played good cricket afterwards since he has been relieved of 'added pressure' of captaincy. Head Coach added that Ahmed has a good record in England as a keeper and with a lengthy tour, team needs two keepers.

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Misbah also stated that players are always judged on basis of runs y score which isn't actual way to go, adding that wicket keeping in England is t easy. Furrmore, he said that it is relatively easy to try out younger options at home but on overseas tours, one must have a solid option on bench.

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From skipper to 'second-best'

Sarfaraz Ahmed was named captain of Pakistan following 2016 ICC World Twenty20 in India. He led Men in Green to lift Champions Trophy in 2017 and also led team in 2019 World Cup. Under his Captaincy, Pakistan mand to win five out of ir nine matches, losing three and one result. Pakistan couldn't qualify for semi-finals as ir net run rate was less than New Zealand's. Sarfaraz was sacked as captain following poor form in October 2019. 

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Meanwhile, Head Coach Misbah Ul Haq is also confident of getting back on field after COVID forced break. “It is t an easy situation for us as we haven’t played cricket for three months but I am counting on this factor of players having missed playing cricket and being hungry to get back on field. We have a good squad to pick from and we can do well in English conditions,” PTI quoted Head Coach. 

Aamir, Sohail out

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement on Thursday which said that Mohammad Amir has withdrawn so that he can attend birth of his second child in August, while Haris Sohail will miss tour because of family reasons. statement furr read that Pakistan will send 28 players and 14 player support personnel for three Tests and three T20Is to be played in August and September. squad, as well as pre-series and series schedule, will be anunced in due course.

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