Sarfaraz Ahmed, an accomplished wicketkeeper-battler, praised his Pakistani teammates and gave assurances that they are prepared for the difficult task that lies ahead in their three-match away Test series against Australia.
Pakistan will play a four-day warm-up match against Prime Minister XI at Canberra’s Manuka Oval prior to the start of the Test matches. On Wednesday, December 6, the game starts. During the 2015 ODI World Cup, Sarfaraz recalled witnessing Chris Gayle achieve an incredible double century against Zimbabwe at this very location. The former Pakistani captain is not going to take the practice match lightly.
“I was at Manuka Oval when I witnessed Chris Gayle’s amazing 200-run performance against Zimbabwe. Right now, the weather seems good as we get ready for a four-day match versus Australia in Canberra. In a recent interview with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Sarfaraz said, “This match holds immense significance as it kickstarts the three-match test series against the formidable Australian team.”
Although the 36-year-old acknowledged that Australia had a great batting order, he gave players like Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, and Co. similar ratings.
“Australia has some excellent batters, but we’re not any worse. “We are well-prepared for the challenge, with Abdullah, Babar, Imam, Saud, and Agha among our ranks,” he declared.
In addition to praising more seasoned pacers like Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi, Sarfaraz also pointed out that less experienced players like Mir Hamza, Khurram Shehzad, and Fahim Ashraf have performed well in the domestic competition.
“Shaheen and Hasan are exceptional, and we have the likes of Mir Hamza, Khurram Shehzad, and Fahim, who have proven their mettle in domestic competitions,” Sarfaraz stated.
The close relationship that exists throughout our camp is demonstrated by the friendship of Babar, Hafeez, and Masood. Sarfaraz Ahmed
Pakistan made the decision to revamp its thought tank in order to start over following a dismal ODI World Cup 2023 campaign. Babar was replaced as Test captain by Shan Masood, while Mohammad Hafeez was named head coach and team director. Sarfaraz praised the new captain and mentioned how well the southpaw gets along with Hafeez and Babar.
“I want to congratulate Shan Masood on his duty; it’s always an honor to be the leader of your country. “Our camp has a strong bond, as demonstrated by the camaraderie between Babar Azam, Muhammad Hafeez, and Shan Masood,” he stated.
In the playing XI, Sarfaraz will have to contend with Mohammad Rizwan for the position of wicketkeeper-batter. Even as a specialized batter, he declared that he is prepared to play for the squad.
“I am happy to play any role – whether as a batter or a wicket-keeper – in contributing to the success of the team,” he said.
On Thursday, December 14, at Perth Stadium, the first Test will get underway. Pakistan will be playing its maiden Test match at the location.
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