Pakistan hope ‘aggressive’ Zaman makes the difference in Abu Dhabi

Left-handed batsman Fakhar Zaman will make his Test debut in the second and final Test of the two-match series against Australia in Abu Dhabi.

“Zaman will make his debut at AbuDhabi. We have picked him in order to induct aggressiveness at the top of the order which is a demand of modern day cricket,” Sarfraz said during his pre-match press conference ahead of the second Test.  

Sarfraz also brushed aside rumours regarding the communication gap between him and Head Coach Mickey Arthur.

"Whatever conflicts I was rumoured to have with Mickey Arthur are now history and we are both on same page. I've full confidence in my players and it’s a good chance for us to make a comeback in second test and win the series as well," he said.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan — who missed the first Test after failing to recover from groin injury — is in the 12-man squad for the second Test but his participation is subject to fitness, according to Sarfraz.  

The Pakistan captain added that the team’s morale is high and they are keen on winning the Test match in Abu Dhabi and secure the series.  

“Team’s morale is high. Our batsmen as well as bowlers have performed well and I hope that the team would do well,” he said. “We were close to winning the previous Test match but this time we would try to cross the finishing line.”

Pakistan were not able to utilise the reviews to good effect during the first Test but Sarfraz believes that it is important to be careful before reviewing any decision.   

“Umpire’s call is important. You have only 15 seconds for review. If the bowler or captain is confident, then he may appeal, but the judgment should be cautiously taken,” he said. “In LBW, the opinion of bowlers and wicketkeeper is important as they are close to the wicket.”

Sarfraz further stated that there has been no change in the way he marshals the troops on the field since the very first day as Pakistan captain.

“My temperament is constant from the day I started back in West Indies. The team is used to my temperament,” he said.

Sarfraz has only scored one fifty in his previous ten innings in Test matches but he is working hard on improving his batting performances.

 “I do realize my role for batting and I am working hard on it,” he said.

The second Test between Pakistan and Australia will begin in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday October 16.