Former captain of Pakistani cricket team Ramiz Raja believes that the upcoming series with Sri Lanka offers a decent opportunity to test the possible replacements for retired legends Younis Khan and Misbahul Haq.
Pakistan is set to take on Sri Lanka in a two-match series — the first series after the retirement of the experienced batting duo Misbah and Younis. Talking to a private news channel, he said that Sri Lanka has a comparatively weaker side, which, in turn, would provide Pakistan with the opportunity to test the young legs without any fear or pressure.
“Sri Lanka is going through a bad patch. They were defeated by Zimbabwe in a test at home and were wrecked by India in a recent series,” Raja commented. He explained that Pakistan should opt for a charged tactic to attack Sri Lanka aggressively and should not allow them to settle.
“However, Pakistan must not be complacent either; (players) need to work hard like they do against any other team to get twenty wickets in a match,” Raja elaborated.
“Leading the team in the Test matches will likely pose a challenge for Sarfraz Ahmed,” Ramiz stated, adding that he hoped the wicket-keeper would continue to learn and transform his leadership skills into the longer format of the game.
“Test cricket is very different from the limited-overs game (wherein) you have a set formula to use your players. On the other hand, in Test cricket, you need to go session-by-session and there are often periods where you just need to stay calm,” Raja noted.
“Sarfraz has redefined Pakistan in limited-overs cricket and helped it look in good shape. I hope he will bring the same to Pakistan’s Test cricket,” he said. Offering words of support, the former skipper added, “All he needs is to remain positive and lead his team with an aggressive approach.”
In response to another question, Raja said that it may not be easy for Pakistan to find a replacement for Misbah and Younis, adding that doing so is not something that can be done overnight.
“Players, who are technically good and can stay on the wicket, should be identified and then prepared as the replacement of the duo,” Raja concluded.
