ISLAMABAD: Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has called for a disciplined approach from his players as Babar Azam is set to return for the second Test against Bangladesh national cricket team at Sylhet starting Saturday.
Trailing 0-1 in the series after losing the opening Test in Dhaka, Pakistan received a major boost with Babar regaining fitness following an injury scare ahead of the series. Sarfaraz confirmed Friday that the star batter would be back in the playing XI, though he avoided revealing the final combination before the toss.
“We are to introduce some changes but that we will only reveal at the toss. We have finalized the team but will wait for the toss and for the weather,” Sarfaraz said while addressing the media in Sylhet.
“One positive thing is Babar has regained fitness and will be part of the team for the second Test. He has been in tremendous form as we have seen during the PSL XI. Hopefully, he will continue in the same vein in international cricket.” The Pakistan head coach admitted that the lack of discipline cost the visitors dearly in the opening Test and stressed the need for players to perform their roles with greater responsibility.
“We need to be more disciplined. Every player must know what is required of him and how to make the best of the opportunity coming his way. That discipline was missing from our performance during the first Test,” he said.
“But I am sure that some senior players are capable of turning it around and there should not be any doubt about it.” Sarfaraz, however, had words of praise for debutants Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal, both of whom impressed in difficult conditions during the Dhaka Test.
“They played really well in their debut Test. We would continue to give them exposure. Hopefully, they would make the most of the coming opportunities,” he added. The coach also came to the defence of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, backing the experienced campaigner to bounce back strongly after a below-par outing in the first Test.
“Look, I am sure that he would bounce back strongly both with the bat and behind the wicket. He is too good a player,” Sarfaraz said. “When you continuously play T20 cricket, you need time to regroup for the longer version. Hopefully, he will be at his best in the second Test.”
Uncertain weather conditions continue to hover over the Sylhet Test with rain disrupting activity throughout Friday. Sarfaraz admitted that Pakistan’s strategy could change depending on the conditions.
“Look, no one can control the weather. But if the weather allows us, we are ready to give our hundred percent in the second Test. Hopefully, rain would stay away allowing us to complete the play.” He added, “If the weather continues to be the same as it was on Friday, we will bring in some changes.”
