Sarfaraz Ahmed should call it a day from Test cricket: Ramiz Raja

Former Pakistan captain and a great commentator, Ramiz Raja is of the opinion that wicketkeeper-batsman, Sarfaraz Ahmed should think of packing bags from the world of Test cricket and should rather focus on white-ball cricket. Sarfaraz, the former captain was seen in the role of 12th man in the first Test match between England and Pakistan in Manchester.

Ramiz said that it becomes very difficult for a player to switch positions. If you have been captain once and remained on that mark, it becomes difficult to sit in reserve squad on bench, which is the case with Sarfaraz. According to him, it doesn’t even look good when a player of Ahmed’s stature moves around carrying drinks on the field.

“I don’t see him getting a chance in the Test format soon so he should focus on white-ball cricket where he will play and be respected as well,” Ramiz Raja told on his YouTube channel.

“He being in the Test squad also adds pressure on Mohammad Rizwan who knows there is a former captain keeper breathing down his neck and that is not good for him. I think Sarfaraz should not be on the bench. He should call it a day from Test cricket.”

In a quick turn of events, the captaincy of all three formats was taken away from Sarfaraz by Pakistan Cricket Board. However, he is back for the national side for the current tour of England.

Stokes’ absence an advantage for Pakistan: Ramiz Raja

No. 1 Test all-rounder Ben Stokes will be missing from few matches due to some family commitments and Raja feels it’s a great time for Pakistan to bounce back amid this golden chance.

“Stokes is the world’s top all-rounder with bat and ball and a game-changer. I think Pakistan can definitely take advantage of the situation.”

Talking about the last match, Raja felt frustrated as Pakistan bowlers couldn’t produce short pitch deliveries against England batsmen.

“It is frustrating to digest the defeat after having dominated the Test for majority sessions,” he said. “I was surprised Jos Buttler, who was under pressure to get runs, to keep his place in the England team and Chris Woakes, who is primarily a tailender, were not tested by short-pitched balls and the fast bowlers. Even the field settings for them when Yasir (Shah) was bowling were not good enough,” Raja concluded.

Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes stole the show in the opening Test against Pakistan, and led England on the path of victory. Dominating the Pakistan side in a complete action-packed performance, hosts won the match by three wickets. The next match in this series will commence tomorrow while the T20I series is also set to take place by the end of this month.