Mohammad Hafeez advises Babar to pick Sarfaraz for third Test

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez suggested giving wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan a "break" and including Sarfaraz Ahmed in the Playing XI for Karachi's third and final Test.

Hafeez discussed the argument over whether to replace Rizwan with Sarfaraz in an interview with a local broadcaster. He backed the former Test skipper Sarfaraz, highlighting the fact that the former needs a break.

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“Sarfaraz has been with the team for the last three years but only as a traveler and could not play a match, and at several points, he can be given a chance to play,” said Hafeez.

“And I still think that if the Pakistan Cricket Board’s think tank and even Babar should think that if Rizwan could not deliver well in this format, then he should give him a break, and Sarfaraz or even any other option they have, should be utilized in a best possible way,” he added.

Before Hafeez, former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik recommended including Sarfaraz and Shan Masood in the forthcoming Karachi Test, arguing that Sarfaraz will provide a great deal of experience and Shan will assist this team to become more stable.

“I think Pakistan should include Sarfaraz Ahmed & Shan Masood in playing 11. Sarfaraz will bring much experience & Shan will help this team to have more stability. I hope our team will perform well in Karachi insha’Allah.” he tweeted.

Malik's recommendation for team changes came when Pakistan suffered two consecutive losses and lost the home series to England 2-0.

Reminder for all is that the third Test will be played in Karachi from December 17, 2022, to December 21, 2022.