Sarfraz hopes return of Yasir, Hafeez will boost Pakistan’s balance

An admirable quality about Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmad is that he is willing to admit any mistakes that may have happened under his captaincy.

After Pakistan failed to even make the final of the Asia Cup, Sarfraz’s captaincy had come under heavy criticism — forcing chief selector Inzamam ul Haq to clear the air regarding calls for change in team’s captaincy.

“This will be my third Test series as a captain. I have learnt a lot in this one year. We did make some mistakes last year because of which we suffered. The aim is to take the team forward. Our first target is to perform well in these two Test matches and win the series.”

Commenting on team’s recent batting failures, he said: “Batsmen need to take responsibility. In the past, our batsmen have always scored the runs and put the team in strong positions. Now our batsmen haven’t been able to convert their starts. Hopefully, they will be able to do that in this series. Our batsmen have really worked hard in the practice sessions. When we get the opportunity, we will be hopefully able to score big.”

Sarfraz is hoping that the return of Yasir Shah and Mohammad Hafeez can boost the team. “Yasir got injured in the England tour, but he has played first class cricket before coming here. He has worked really hard and bowled really well in the practice sessions. He is our main bowler. The way he has performed for Pakistan in the past, I hope he will be able to win matches for Pakistan again.” On Hafeez’s return, Sarfraz said: “You have seen how well he has played in domestic matches. That’s why we have picked him for the Test series. We want to take advantage of his form by playing him as an opener.”