Napier: Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is gratified with his performance in the last T20I match against New Zealand where he scored a match-winning 89-run knock in Pakistan’s conciliarity win at McLean Park.
The 28-year-old is confident going in the Test series, starting from December 26 where he will become the 33rd individual to lead Pakistan in the elite format of the game.
“I only wished of playing for Pakistan one day but I had never thought in my dreams that I would lead my country,” said Rizwan in a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “I feel honored and thanks to the PCB for considering me for this job. I will try to serve this role with true honesty and commitment,” he added.
It must be noted last night Green Shirts won the third T20I of the series by four wickets, however, lost the series by 2-1.
Both teams will now lock horns in two ICC World Test Championship fixtures at Mount Manguanai and Christchurch. Rizwan will lead in the first Test as regular skipper Babar Azam is still recovering from his injured thumb.– PNP
Shadab injured once again
Tauranga: Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has once again injured and has been ruled out of the first Test against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
The 22-year-old suffered a thigh injury following the conclusion of the third T20i at Napier on Friday. The team management has included left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar as a replacement.
“Shadab will now undergo MRI scans in Tauranga on Thursday, following which a further update on the exact nature of the injury and time needed to return to competitive cricket will be provided,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a press release.
Shadab’s inclusion for the T20I series was also uncertain, however, he recovered and led Pakistan in the series which they lost by 2-1.
He suffered an injury in his left leg just before the start of the series against Zimbabwe in mid-October.
Meanwhile, Zafar has joined the Test side from Hamilton where he was preparing with the Pakistan Shaheens for Sunday’s T20 match against the Northern Knights.
The 25-year-old Zafar has so far taken 144 wickets in 39 first-class matches, including six five-wicket hauls in an innings and two ten-wicket match hauls.
Squads
Pakistan squad for first Test: Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK), Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Butt, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, Yasir Shah and Zafar Gohar.
Pakistan Shaheens for T20s: Rohail Nazir (C & WK), Abdullah Shafique, Amad Butt, Danish Aziz, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Musa Khan, Usman Qadir, Wahab Riaz and Zeeshan Malik. – Agencies
‘Privileged to be part of best bowling attack’
Melbourne: Australian spinner Nathan Lyon feels very special and has expressed his joy of being part of the best bowling attack in the world at the moment.
Australian bowling attack in Test cricket consists of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. All three fast bowlers have been dangerous for the past few years together and often receive help from Lyon in the elite format of the game.
“In my eyes, this is the best bowling attack in the world and it’s an absolute privilege to be part of it,” Lyon said.
“To be able to take the field with three of my best mates, it’s pretty amazing. They are unreal people and unreal bowlers as well,” he added.
It must be noted that Australia currently ranks number one in ICC Test rankings while Cummins sits at the top spot in bowlers rankings. Hazlewood and Starc are placed at fifth and seventh respectively whereas Lyon is at 16.
The Kangaroos recently bowled India out for just 36 runs in the second inning of the first Test at Adelaide Oval. Hazlewood took five wickets while Pat Cummins bagged four wickets. – PNP
Imad, Hafeez released from squad in NZ
Bureau Report
Karachi: All-rounder Imad Wasim and veteran batsman Mohammad Hafeez have been released from the national squad in New Zealand. The 32-year-old Imad will fly to Australia today as he has signed by the Melbourne Renegades for the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season 10 while the 40-year-old Hafeez will return to Pakistan via Auckland.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan team has arrived in Tauranga by bus from Napier to take part in the first Test against New Zealand. Test cricketers part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad has also joined the team. The members of the Shaheens T20 squad left for Hamilton where they will join other members of the squad, who were part of the national T20 side.
It must be noted that Pakistan are scheduled to play the first Test against New Zealand from December 26 while Shaheens will take on Northern Knights in Hamilton on December 27.
