Following the Pakistan team's humiliating 360-run defeat against Australia, national team director Mohammad Hafeez has come out in support of Sarfraz Ahmed and other senior players saying that no decision can be made after just one match.
"[Inclusion of] senior players doesn't mean that only they have to perform [...] Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam are not the only ones responsible for good performance," Hafeez said while speaking to the media in Perth after the conclusion of the first Test between the Green Shirts and the Kangaroos.
It must be noted that during their chase of a 450-run target, Pakistan were dismissed for a mere 89 runs with Saud Shakeel emerging as the highest score for Pakistan with his 24-run innings.
The Men in Green's improbable attempt to claim their first Test win in Australia since 1995 was shattered by the Nathon Lyon and the home team's formidable pace attack, swiftly concluding the game within four days.
In pursuit of 450 for victory, the visitors surrendered meekly with Lyon claiming 2-18. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood also secured three wickets each.
Australia declared on the fourth day at 233-5 after Pakistan were dismissed for 271 in their first innings, responding to the hosts' 487.
Acknowledging the failure of the national side's batting unit, he underscored that wicketkeeper batter Sarfraz Ahmed has performed well in recent matches and has been the management's priority for team selection.
"Sarfaraz has given a lot of performances for Pakistan. In the New Zealand series in Pakistan, he was excellent. Yes, five to six months have passed but you give first priority to your best performers from the recent series. Unfortunately, this match didn't go well for Sarfaraz according to our expectations,” Hafeez said while defending Sarfraz's inclusion into the side.
“However, we can't start thinking something totally different after one match. Sarfaraz isn't new [to these conditions as] he has toured Australia, South Africa and England before. He's not new to these conditions and we can say that he'll struggle to adjust. Yes, he didn't perform up to expectations as a batsman and keeper. But this doesn't mean that we should start doubting someone's skill and saying they can only play in certain conditions," he added.
The official also said the management has all the options and that no decision can be made on the basis of [Sarfraz's] performance in one match.
Mohammad Rizwan can perform well for the team, however, the decision for his inclusion in the team will be made after reviewing the conditions and the pitch in Sydney.
Hafeez's remarks come as Sarfraz, 36, struggled to perform with the bat as the right-handed batter could only score 3 and 4 in two innings and became the victim of Mitchell Starc both times.
2nd Test — Australia vs Pakistan — December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
3rd Test — Australia vs Pakistan — January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)