Sarfraz Ahmed’s position as Pakistan captain might have come under fire following the team’s dismal showing in the recently concluded Asia Cup but he has received complete support from selection chief Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Despite being the joint favourites for the tournament alongside India, Pakistan crashed out of the Asia Cup after defeat to Bangladesh in a must-win Super Four clash. The Men in Green recorded only two wins in the tournament and were resoundingly thrashed by India in both meetings with their arch-rivals.
Sarfraz’s own personal form too has come under the scanner, given he has registered just one half-century in his last 13 ODI innings.
Rejecting the uncertainty surrounding Sarfraz’s captaincy, Inzamam bemoaned the team’s showing in the UAE tournament.
“There is no question about Sarfraz’s captaincy. However, Sarfraz and the team did not play the cricket we were expecting. This doesn’t mean that we have to replace Sarfraz as I still have full confidence in his leadership skills,” the Pakistan selection committee chief was quoted as saying by Geo News.
Sarfraz and his men have been criticised for their Asia Cup display.
“I hope the team puts a better display of their skills in the upcoming series,” the former Pakistan skipper added.
Pakistan are due to take on Australia in a two-Test series against Australia in the UAE in what is their first home series since the shock defeat to Sri Lanka in October last year.
The first Test between the two sides will get underway at the Dubai International Cricket stadium on October 7 while the final Test will begin in Abu Dhabi on October 16.
The Tests will be followed by a three-match T20 series with the matches taking place on October 24, 26 and 28. Following that, Australia’s Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand will come calling to the UAE for three T20s and as many ODIs and Tests against Pakistan.