Former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has made a comeback to Pakistan’s Test squad after 2019, whereas, Mir Hamza and Imam-ul-Haq have also been recalled for the first match against visiting New Zealand.
Yesterday, interim chief selector Shahid Afridi hinted at the inclusion of former Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed and pacer Mir Hamza for the first New Zealand Test, according to Cric Wick.
The 45-year-old made these remarks while talking to the media in Karachi. “Our aim is to try our bench strength. A lot of our senior players are out for a long time. We will try and manage the workload as Babar highlighted this issue previously,” Afridi said.
“Hamza has performed really well in the past couple of years and he deserves to be in the team. In absence of Shaheen, we needed a left-arm pacer. His inclusion will be worthy for us,” he further added.
Sarfaraz last featured in red-ball cricket for Pakistan back in 2019 and hasn’t played a Test in his country whereas Hamza last featured in his only Test in 2018.
Afridi also backed his former Multan Sultans teammate Shahnawaz Dahani, who was one of three additions to the Test squad made by him on Saturday.
“Shahnawaz has been traveling with the team for quite a long time now. He needs chances to prove his worth,” the former cricketer said.
It is pertinent to mention here that Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bat first in the first Test against New Zealand being played at National Stadium Karachi (NSK).