- Babar questions whether Sarfaraz can contribute solely as a batsman.
- Sarfaraz emerged as the highest run-scorer for Pakistan in the previous Test series against New Zealand.
- Babar discusses the necessity of including the vice-captain in the playing XI.
Babar Azam confirms Sarfaraz Ahmed as the primary wicketkeeper for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. During a press conference, Babar questioned whether Sarfaraz could solely contribute as a batsman when asked if he could play without keeping wickets.
“Do you think he can play as a batsman?” Babar asked.
Babar Azam expressed his strong belief in Sarfaraz Ahmed’s capabilities and praised his exceptional performance in the previous series.
“Sarfaraz bhai performed really well in last series. He will be my first choice [as wicketkeeper]. However, we will make a final decision after reaching there and looking at the combination. We will select the best possible team,” Babar added.
In the previous Test series against New Zealand, Sarfaraz Ahmed showcased his batting skills when he replaced Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s Test vice-captain. Sarfaraz emerged as the highest run-scorer for Pakistan in the series, accumulating an impressive total of 335 runs with an average of 83.75.
The decision to select Sarfaraz over Rizwan as the first-choice wicketkeeper is primarily based on Rizwan’s admitted poor form during the home series against England. Rizwan struggled to perform with the bat, scoring only 141 runs in six innings at an average of 23.50 and failing to reach a half-century.
Furthermore, Babar Azam also addressed the question of whether the inclusion of the vice-captain in the playing XI is necessary.
“I don’t think it is necessary. If a vice-captain doesn’t play, then it doesn’t really affect the team negatively. We will select the playing XI after looking at the conditions,” he added.
