Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed picked England wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler as the player he would most like to have in the national team.

Sarfraz was asked the question at the official World Cup captains’ press conference.

Instead of picking players like his Indian counterpart Virat Kohli, Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan or big-hitting West Indies opener Chris Gayle, Sarfraz chose Buttler.

Pakistan recently played a five-match ODI series against England and Sarfraz could only watch as Buttler tore his side’s bowling attack apart during his unbeaten knock of 110 in the second ODI in Southampton, which came off 55 balls and included six boundaries and nine sixes.

Kohli opted for South Africa captain Faf du Plessis since AB de Villiers had retired.

“It is very difficult to choose someone. We feel we are such a strong side. But if I have to choose one from the current lot…since AB (de Villiers) is retired now, I would choose Faf (du Plessis),” he was quoted as saying by CricketNext.

Du Plessis said “Virat is in my batting team”, but added: “I will pick a few players, mainly bowlers. For the bowling attack…Jasprit Bumrah, he is bowling really well at the moment. As Virat said, he is a multi-format bowler. Then there is exciting spinner Rashid Khan, Pat Cummins from Australia.

“Teams that will go till the end of the tournament will be the ones that do well with the ball. Bowlers who have capabilities of taking wickets.”

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza pointed towards Kohli and said: “I would choose that guy.”

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson admitted that he would love to have Rashid in his side.

“Bowlers will play a big part and I would love to have Rashid Khan in my team,” he said.

Australia skipper Aaron Finch went for South Africa pace bowler Kagiso Rabada, saying: “Rabada is one guy who has amazing energy. He is a superstar.”

As for Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne, his choice was England all-rounder Ben Stokes.

“He (Stokes) is a game changer. We know what he can do,” Karunaratne said.

While all the other captains chose current players, England skipper Eoin Morgan opted for legendary Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

“I won’t change anything about my team. Ponting is part of Australia’s coaching side, so I would take Ricky Ponting,” he said.

West Indies captain Jason Holder and Afghanistan skipper Gulbadin Naib refused to comment.

The World Cup will begin on May 30, with the opening game being between hosts England and South Africa at The Oval.

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