The Pakistan Cricket Board has directed the national team management to replace experienced Kamran Akmal with young Sarfaraz Ahmed in the third Test against Australia, commencing at Hobart from January 14.
Miffed with Akmal’s poor show during the second Test defeat against Australia in Sydney, the selectors on Wednesday decided to rush wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz to Australia.
“The team management has been told in clear words that Sarfaraz must play in the third Test and Kamran should be rested,” PCB sources told
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Sources said the message was conveyed to team management in Australia after a meeting between the PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt and the chief selector Iqbal Qasim.
Akmal had a horrifying time in the second Test in Sydney which Pakistan lost by 36 runs after being in a dominating position for most part of the match.
Akmal dropped four catches and missed a run out in Australia’s second innings. He dropped Mike Hussey thrice off Danish Kaneria and also failed to perform with the bat.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The PCB Chairman is also clear that Kamran now needs a rest and Sarfaraz — who has been doing well on the domestic front — should get a chance in the Test team,” the source said.