Sarfaraz Ahmed donned the gloves for Pakistan in the second innings of the Rawalpindi Test against Bangladesh instead of Mohammad Rizwan, who was originally selected in the playing XI.
Pakistan were skittled out for 172 in their second innings, courtesy of Bangladesh fast-bowlers Hasan Mahmud (5-43), Nahid Rana (4-44) and Taskin Ahmed (1-40). That was the first time the visitors’ pacers picked up all ten wickets in an innings. Bangladesh were asked to chase 185.
After enduring a tough day with the bat, Pakistan suffered yet another blow as wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan didn’t come out to the field in the fourth innings. Sarfaraz Ahmed, not a part of the playing XI, took the gloves instead.
Rizwan hit on the head while batting
Rizwan was struck on the side of his helmet by a fiery Rana bouncer during the third innings, leaving him visibly shaken. But he continued batting after that, scoring a 34-ball 28.
While there was no official update from the Pakistan side as to why Rizwan didn't take the field in the fourth innings, the scorers, however, marked the former Pakistan captain as a normal substitute, ruling out any case of Rizwan being out due to concussion.
Additionally, Wisden.com has learnt that Rizwan is doing fine right now, but Sarfaraz will continue to keep for the entirety of the game, perhaps as a precautionary measure more than anything else.
Abrar was seen rushing to the crease to apparently avoid a time-out dismissal, dropping one of his gloves and struggling to adjust the rest of his gear 😅
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 3, 2024
Watch here ➡️ https://t.co/6BWsCDPsfl pic.twitter.com/GUn6MbkHlf
Lately, Pakistan have faced a wicketkeeping conundrum between Rizwan and Sarfaraz in the playing XI. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia last year, Rizwan was preferred and has been the first-choice wicketkeeper since then.
Rizwan is also the highest run-scorer in the series, with 294 runs at an average of 98, including a massive 171 not out that came in the first Test.
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