Karachi: Wicketkeeper Batsman Sarfraz Ahmed Mohammad Rizwan has been named in the playing XI for today’s Test against New Zealand, four years after his last international in the Whites.
The right-handed batsman last played in cricket’s longest format in 2019 against South Africa, scoring a half-ton and taking 10 catches.
A few more changes have also been made in the squad selected for the first Test against the Black Caps in Karachi today (Monday). Pacer Mir Hamza has been included in the team in place of the injured Naseem Shah.
There have been changes in the Test team after his appointment. Shahid Afridi As chief selector for the New Zealand series following changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) administration. A 14-member body headed by Najam Sethi has been tasked with overseeing the PCB’s operations for 120 days.
Afridi emphasized on workload management.
Speaking to the media in Karachi on Sunday, Shahid Afridi stressed the need for workload management of the players and hinted at the inclusion of Mir Hamza and Sarfaraz Ahmed in the final XI.
Afridi’s first major decision was to include Mir Hamza, Sajid Khan and Shahnawaz Durmani in Pakistan’s Test squad for the home series.
Afridi told the media that the players have been included after seeing their performances and Pakistan’s strength.
“I understand that Naseem Shah is not fully fit so it was good to add two fast bowlers to the team. Shahnawaz Dahani we have been carrying for so long, when will he get a chance? Also, “When Shaheen was not around, it was necessary to have a left-hander, that’s why Mir Hamza was included,” Shahid Afridi had said.
“And, Mir Hamza is doing well, I think he is fit to play now,” said the chief selector.
Afridi added that workload management of players is important and this is something that captain Babar Azam has also emphasized.
“We have players who are playing all formats consistently. We need to strengthen our bench so that if someone is rested there is no problem, we also have some seniors who have been warming the bench for a long time, so let’s see. I am meeting Babar Azam tonight and we will discuss how to proceed,” said the chief selector.
Afridi added that he wants to see Babar Azam as one of the great captains and will support him to be as good a captain as he is a good batsman.