Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur has called for Sarfraz Ahmed to return to batting form after the skipper’s place in the side came under scrutiny after he scored a pair in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion.
Arthur admits Pakistan would have wanted Sarfraz to score more runs but that he was performing his ‘core job’ as wicketkeeper exceptionally.
“I’ve got no doubt that Sarfraz is the right leader,” Arthur said in an interview with Cricingif. “I’ve got no doubt that Sarfraz has the group. I’ve got no doubt that Sarfraz is a phenomenal cricketer.
“Shan was outstanding,” added Arthur. “I think the key is that he’s gone back and worked hard on his game, and he got a lot of runs in the A team against New Zealand A, and the England Lions. So Shan Masood has done everything it requires to get himself ready and back to play in this environment.”
One batsman whom Pakistan would like to perform more consistently is Asad Shafiq. The 32-year-old has an attractive technique and has played some notable innings, but has failed to hit the high totals his country needs. Arthur, however, has backed him to come good.
“I think he (Shafiq) is a very, very talented player,” he said. “I think he’s a phenomenal batsman. He’s played some key innings for us over the last two and a half years, albeit some of them at six. He’s compact and hits the ball well.”
