Sarfraz Hints At What Playing Eleven He Has In Mind For The English Series

Pakistan’s captain has revealed some interesting plans that he has in mind for the tour to England series while giving interviews on different occasions during the last couple of weeks or so. So, here is a look at a few talking points after Sarfraz hints at what playing eleven he has in mind for the English series and the ICC World Cup.

Read: Talking Points From Sarfraz Ahmed and Mickey Arthur’s Press Conference

Fakhar And Imam Likely To Open

In one of his interviews Sarfraz has quite clearly said that he will bank on Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq to deliver the goods. Hence, it is highly likely that Abid Ali will only find an opportunity if either of the aforesaid openers fail to show form.

Read: These Pakistani Cricketers Could Still Be Dropped From The World Cup Squad

Hafeez To Bat At 4 and Sarfraz At 5

Sarfraz has also clarified that he wants Mohd. Hafeez to bat at four and wants to bat himself in top 5. Therefore, with Babar Azam batting at 3 and obviously Shoaib Malik and Imad Wasim at 6 and 7 respectively, Haris Sohail despite two centuries against Australia in the recently concluded series is all set to sit out unless of course, one the top 6 batsmen fail to impress.

Read: Here Is Why Shadab Khan’s Illness Is Bad News For Pakistan

Either Shadab Or Faheem Will Bat At 8

Shadab who is down with a virus for at least a month will most definitely be Pakistan’s first choice at number 7 or 8 during the world cup. However, comments from Sarfraz suggest that he is likely to bank on Faheem Ashraf during the English series rather than on Yasir Shah or another spinner. 

Read: Why Mohd. Amir Was Dropped And How He Can Still Make It To The World Cup Squad

Leaves No Doubt About Pakistan’s Top 3 Fast Bowlers

Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi are automatic choices as far as Pakistan’s fast bowling reserves are concerned. However, Sarfraz’s praise for Junaid Khan suggests that the left-arm fast medium is likely to be Pakistan’s third pacer. Mohd. Hasnain and Mohd. Amir nevertheless, are likely to feature during the games against England as Pakistan will look to rest Hasan and Shaheen during the English tour to ensure that they don’t suffer from fatigue before the mega event.