Ramiz Raja wants to see Fakhar Zaman and Asad Shafiq dropped for the second Test
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja believes that opener Fakhar Zaman and batsman Asad Shafiq should both be dropped for the second Test against South Africa.
Raja’s comments come after Pakistan were comprehensively beaten by six wickets in the first Test in Centurion.
In that match, Zaman scored 12 in both innings, while Shafiq made seven and six respectively.
Explaining why both players should be sidelined for the second Test in Cape Town, Raja was quoted by the Business Recorder as saying: “Asad Shaifq is struggling so he shouldn’t play in the second Test. Likewise, Fakhar Zaman’s role as an opening batsman is a bit dicey because his batting doesn’t suit the conditions offered in South Africa, so he should be sidelined as well.”
Pakistan’s loss in Centurion comes after they were beaten 2-1 by New Zealand in a three-Test series in the United Arab Emirates.
Sarfraz Ahmed’s side will be looking to bounce back and level the series when the second Test gets underway on January 3.
Absolutely agree with Ramiz Bhai. Also, Azhar Ali should be scrutinized and if he fails to live to the expectations, he should be dropped as well. Haris Sohail and Mohammed Rizvan should be in the team, also, Mohammed Abbas should be in the team.
Mohammad Abbas will definitely be back in the side when he’s fit. I also feel that Sarfraz needs to contribute with the bat on a more consistent basis.
Drop Asad and Sarfaraz.
Asad Shafiq only & only dropped & send back to Pakistan & play in the domestic .
I think Sarfraz would benefit by playing some domestic cricket and regaining his form with the bat.
Azhar needs to be dropped as well. First the comical run out and then his incomprehensible shot in centurion second innings show he doesn’t have the cricketing mind that’s needed at this level. But who do we replace these batsmen with? We missed out on one Fawad Alam, now it’s too late. Our batsmen are spineless, will fail at the slightest hint of pressure.
I still think Fawad Alam needs to come back and be given a chance. I hear that Salman Butt is also doing well in domestic cricket.
Rameez is very limited in his understanding of the game. Zeman is one of the few potential match winners in the team, and one who plays without fear!
Umar Akmal still remains the most natural bat in Pakistan- the one who is set from the time he walks in. Wahab Riaz has been dropped because the coach and the selectors do not like his attitude! The team is filled with yes men, those lacking courage – the results are plain to see!