Mohammad Rizwan dropped from the Test side. Is this the wakeup call he needs?

[daytrader]

Being dropped should come as a shock to him as he hasn't played too bad recently. Couldn't consistently convert any starts to big ones. Not too long ago he was the ICC player of the month for September. So was this sheer bad luck or is this the wake up call he deserves?

 

[Ab Fan]

When a cricket rich nation produces two excellent wicket keeper batsman, it is quite common that with slight lack of performance, one can get dropped.

If I look at the best wicket keeper batsman in World in Tests, apart from Pant, Rizwan was arguably no.2. Sarfaraz is probably close too which is why he has replaced Rizwan. There is Tom Blundell and Mushfiqur Rahim also at same level as those two.

Carey and Vereynne are still not up there.

 

[Ashmal]

Yeah....he needed some time off.

Needs to tighten up his technique a bit if he wants to survive in the longer format.

 

[Rana]

“It should come as a shock to him because he hasn’t played too bad recently” )


The truth is, he isn’t a batsman

 

[pak.cricket]

“It should come as a shock to him because he hasn’t played too bad recently” )


The truth is, he isn’t a batsman

Yeah in test cricket, he struggles against both pace and spin lol. Should be dropped from squad.

 

[pak.cricket]

When a cricket rich nation produces two excellent wicket keeper batsman, it is quite common that with slight lack of performance, one can get dropped.

If I look at the best wicket keeper batsman in World in Tests, apart from Pant, Rizwan was arguably no.2. Sarfaraz is probably close too which is why he has replaced Rizwan. There is Tom Blundell and Mushfiqur Rahim also at same level as those two.

Carey and Vereynne are still not up there.

Rizwan has an average of 38 after just 27 matches. Moreover,he has played a lot of matches on pakistani highway pitches. Sarfraz has 36 average despite not playing a single game on highway pitches. Goes on to show that sarfraz is twice a batsman than rizwan in tests.

 

[Saj]

His recent performances with the bat in Test cricket have been awful.

Not many runs, poor dismissals and poor concentration at the crease.

Sometimes if you get too comfortable in the team, this is what can happen.

Competition is always good for any player.

 

[cricenjoyer]

Rizwan has an average of 38 after just 27 matches. Moreover,he has played a lot of matches on pakistani highway pitches. Sarfraz has 36 average despite not playing a single game on highway pitches. Goes on to show that sarfraz is twice a batsman than rizwan in tests.

Rizwan averages 40s in Australia, New Zealand and England. Sarfraz also got to play most of his games in the roads of the UAE so can’t really say one is better than the other

 

[Amjid Javed]

Became complacent and sloppy, we saw same think with K Akmal and sarfaraz in the past, so no shock. Rightly dropped from team.

 

[AAli98]

Mark my words sarfraz experiment will die a dogs death just like his captaincy did. Need to get someone with a bit of brain as captain rather then these village idiots..

 

[Ab Fan]

Rizwan has an average of 38 after just 27 matches. Moreover,he has played a lot of matches on pakistani highway pitches. Sarfraz has 36 average despite not playing a single game on highway pitches. Goes on to show that sarfraz is twice a batsman than rizwan in tests.

Sarfaraz also played on UAE pattas. Rizwan has done better outside Asia if I am not wrong.

 

[Concerned]

He deserved to be dropped for someone with test potential.

Not for someone who is in his final years of test cricket.

 

[Hawkeye]

Good call.

This is what happens when you focus 100% on giving sermons, but not your own performances.

He never had the ability to be a proper batsman, kept stat-padding in LOIs and in Tests, he can't survive for both pace and spin lol.

What can he play?

 

[Usman Chadda]

Rizwan is better equipped to play in SENA, while Sarfraz is a better player of spin.

You can also have the case of getting both in the Test playing eleven, when the alternative is Agha Salman who is a waste of space at any number at this level.

Rizwan needed some time off and he got it rightfully so, excellent player who will be back in form soon enough.

 

[pak.cricket]

Rizwan averages 40s in Australia, New Zealand and England. Sarfraz also got to play most of his games in the roads of the UAE so can’t really say one is better than the other

UAE wickets are not roads. They are spin friendly wickets. only Pakistani wickets are roads.

 

[pak.cricket]

Rizwan is better equipped to play in SENA, while Sarfraz is a better player of spin.

You can also have the case of getting both in the Test playing eleven, when the alternative is Agha Salman who is a waste of space at any number at this level.

Rizwan needed some time off and he got it rightfully so, excellent player who will be back in form soon enough.

Unless he works on his technique, He is bound to fail. Teams have worked him out now.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Pathetic decision. And its this kind of short-term thinking why our test side is where it is. How can you expect to build a team when you are dropping guys after a few failures? Rizwan is your vice-captain and one of the mainstays of the test team. He played match-winning knocks against South Africa on these very pitches and has half-centuries in England and Australia.

Pakistan love to look at England and other better teams and the way that they play cricket. But they seem oblivious to many other things that they do. Like backing someone that they have selected fully, until there's no reason to do so, or that player is established in the team. Guys like Bairstow or Crawley would never have found the success they have in recent times if England just moved on from them after a few failures.

Selecting Sarfraz as a batter was not a bad idea in home-conditions. But he should have been selected in-place of Agha Salman who does not come across as a test cricketer in any sense of the word.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Unless he works on his technique, He is bound to fail. Teams have worked him out now.

He has a decent enough technique to play bounce, which Sarfraz clearly lacks. He is excellent, just needs to take a break and come back with a fresh mind.

You could clearly see he was struggling mentally when he goes thirty odd balls without scoring a single run. Not the Rizwan we are used to.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Sarfraz has more authority and looks securer

 

[pak.cricket]

He has a decent enough technique to play bounce, which Sarfraz clearly lacks. He is excellent, just needs to take a break and come back with a fresh mind.

You could clearly see he was struggling mentally when he goes thirty odd balls without scoring a single run. Not the Rizwan we are used to.

Lol you are clearly wrong if you think he has a good technique. He clearly falls over while playing reverse awing or incoming delivery. Furthurmore he also does not use his feet at all when the ball is on 5th or 6th stump. His recent dip in performance clearly shows that he has been worked out by other teams. Go back and have a look at his dismissal off anderson. He clearly is technically exposed now. He scored runs at the start of his career because teams did not focused much on him but now he is exposed totally. Just playing hook shot does not mean that you have a good technique.

 

[Abdurmirr]

UAE wickets are not roads. They are spin friendly wickets. only Pakistani wickets are roads.

Yes the pitches were 550 were considered par aren’t roads

 

[pak.cricket]

Yes the pitches were 550 were considered par aren’t roads

I am talking about pitches where england got out on 72 while chasing 138 runs. 550 Is par on Pakistani Pitches. Kindly do your research.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Lol you are clearly wrong if you think he has a good technique. He clearly falls over while playing reverse awing or incoming delivery. Furthurmore he also does not use his feet at all when the ball is on 5th or 6th stump. His recent dip in performance clearly shows that he has been worked out by other teams. Go back and have a look at his dismissal off anderson. He clearly is technically exposed now. He scored runs at the start of his career because teams did not focused much on him but now he is exposed totally. Just playing hook shot does not mean that you have a good technique.

I clearly mentioned a decent technique against bounce, which is where he is superior to Sarfraz at the moment as a wicket-keeper batsman. All Pakistan batsmen struggle with swing, and any half decent bowler could run through our team with conventional or reverse swing. So it’s not just a Rizwan problem, but an overall issue with anyone coming in from our system (besides Babar maybe).

 

[gazza619]

One of Sarfaraz or Rizwan could easily play as a specialist batter if the other contenders are as pathetic as Shan Masood & Agha Salman.

 

[Rana]

Rizwan can play as a specialist batter?

He can’t play on the off side

 

[Rana]

Can Rizwan bowl spin? Maybe he can re-invent himself as a batting all-rounder who bowls some spin

 

[Asif321]

Rizwan been poor and needs a time off but he will back . However Sarfraz should be in playing XI in home conditions. We could easily put both of them in same line up .

 

[Rana]

Would you rather have Kamran Ghulam or Rizwan as the ‘specialist batter’?

 

[pak.cricket]

I clearly mentioned a decent technique against bounce, which is where he is superior to Sarfraz at the moment as a wicket-keeper batsman. All Pakistan batsmen struggle with swing, and any half decent bowler could run through our team with conventional or reverse swing. So it’s not just a Rizwan problem, but an overall issue with anyone coming in from our system (besides Babar maybe).

Lol sarfraz does not struggle against reverse. sothee was reversing at quite big but sarfraz did not have issues.If you want to carry rizwan because he can play well in only one place i.e Australia then i think you have some mental issues lol

 

[Asif321]

Would you rather have Kamran Ghulam or Rizwan as the ‘specialist batter’?

Shan should go . Get ghulam and rizwan for agha . I don’t understand agha role . Rizwan needs a series off though he been playing consistently that’s crazy

 

[Rana]

Lol sarfraz does not struggle against reverse. sothee was reversing at quite big but sarfraz did not have issues.If you want to carry rizwan because he can play well in only one place i.e Australia then i think you have some mental issues lol

I would be surprised if the Aussies allow Rizwan to do well against them now

 

[MenInG]

Ultimately results count not good intentions.

Rizwan should use this time to improve himself

Sarfaraz should make sure Pakistan wins

We should stop worrying about making points.

 

[Rana]

Shan should go . Get ghulam and rizwan for agha . I don’t understand agha role . Rizwan needs a series off though he been playing consistently that’s crazy

Na mate

If Shan goes, you back your best domestic batsman who has been performing. Maybe that’s when the door opens for Hurraira

Rizwan should be back in the domestics getting his form and technique together. Still hasn’t learned how to play on the off-side having been with the Pakistan team for 3-4 years

 

[Rana]

Yeah teams have worked him out now but some posters do not want to believe it

I can already see it.

Scott Boland bowls a back of the length ball on 4th/5th stump in the middle of a good spell and Rizwan nicking off

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

average player whose purple patch is over.

You cant be a good international player if you refuse to play offside shots.

 

[Double Trouble]

New selection committee bring ruthless by dropping Riz

Should do the same for Shan or any non performing player regardless how good they speak English

Time for the new PCB to stop taking too much passengers in this side

 

[Markhor]

Rizwan looked all at sea in the T20 World Cup against movement and bounce, and couldn't pass 50 once on some fairly flat wickets against ENG.

He clearly has technical issues so a timeout isn't the worst thing.

 

[Rana]

Rizwan looked all at sea in the T20 World Cup against movement and bounce, and couldn't pass 50 once on some fairly flat wickets against ENG.

He clearly has technical issues so a timeout isn't the worst thing.

That’s if he and his supporters actually understand this. I believe Rizwan’s mantra is to only perfect what you are good at, and not improve on your weakness

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Sarfraz vindicated his inclusion today. Though his keeping will be hindered by the hip

 

[Zaz]

I think it ll do him good to sit out for a series or two It ll help him work on his technique and focus back on his game

Lets be honest theres no competition between sarfy and riz
Riz is the much more better keeper and batter when on form

Hes just got complacent and mistakes have kept into his technique

He ll be back in a series or two

 

[mazkhan]

Although credit to sarfraz

Rizwan is head and shoulders the better gloveman.

It's gonna be interesting with sarfraz keeping to our spinners how many chances he fluffs , he's no spring chicken as well.

 

[Bewal Express]

Riz will be back, he is a top WK and good batsman. Although he got some of the best deliveries bowled in the England series, there were too many soft dismissals and that shows a lack of concentration. Sarfi has the thrown the cat amongst Rizs pigeons and lets hope Riz Responds. We need him to back to his best.

 

[pak.cricket]

Although credit to sarfraz

Rizwan is head and shoulders the better gloveman.

It's gonna be interesting with sarfraz keeping to our spinners how many chances he fluffs , he's no spring chicken as well.

Sarfraz is good enough keeper.

 

[pratiktc]

Rizwan went through a full series with 4-5 inns where he got starts but couldn't make a substantial score. The difference between 0-3 and 1-2/2-1 scoreline could have been just one other batter stepping up for Pak in big moments.

In subcontinent teams, sometimes because of seniority/politics it is hard to drop players but for whatever reasons the replacement happened (i.e. Karachi lobby etc.) it is well deserved. He paid the price for being casual.

 

[sweep_shot]

Sarfaraz is near retirement. I expect Rizwan to be back. If not Rizwan, someone else.

 

[TheSultan]

I’ve always said - Rizwan is an asset if he’s used correctly. He’s a very useful no7 keeper/batsman. Stop trying to make him one of your main batsmen. Even gilchrist never batted above 7 in tests. And he’s nowhere near gilchrist to come in and become a main batsman for white ball either.

Build your main top 6 as proper specialist batsmen. Stop this nonsense social media legend making of Rizwan, his attitude and his stats.

I very much think he’s got a future, just get rid of the nonsense and play him as a part of the XI

 

[Savak]

You can include both in the test side. Rotate their wicket keeping duties. Sarfaraz plays spin well.

 

[Saj]

Sarfaraz is near retirement. I expect Rizwan to be back. If not Rizwan, someone else.

Rizwan will be back, but this dropping could actually help his career.

Ideally he needs to work on his batting and look at where he should be batting and his approach to the various formats.

I agree with those that say he should be batting at 6 or 7 in the Test batting order.

 

[Plumb]

His mindset is confused between tests/T20s.. his last 3-4 innings is where he keeps blocking the ball instead of rotating the strike. I believe he needs to play his natural game. He also needed a much needed mental break.
Sarfaraz should be selected for the next test too, regardless of how he performs in first.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

His career is over. Haris is next in line now.

 

[TeymurBlake]

Dropped, rested???

Doesn't matter. What matters is this time off the pitch will allow him to work on his weakness and assess his technique.

He needs to make most of this time. A more improved, well round Rizwan is beneficial for Pakistan.

 

[Bilal7]

He needed rest. He was playing nonstop and that takes its toll. I do feel that he should be opening in both LO formats. Imam and Rizwan would make a good opening partnership in India.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

He needed rest. He was playing nonstop and that takes its toll. I do feel that he should be opening in both LO formats. Imam and Rizwan would make a good opening partnership in India.

He's been found out. It's cost us dearly. 2 WCs, Asia Cup and 2 home Test series. It's over.

 

[MenInG]

Stop getting personal

Stop posting irrelevant stuff

Lets stay on topic

 

[MenInG]

Rizwan looked relaxed this morning - probably relieved.

 

[gazza619]

His career is over. Haris is next in line now.

In your dreams mate…if these domestic stats excite you then I rest my case.

 

[MenInG]

Stop getting personal

Stop posting irrelevant stuff

Lets stay on topic

Our patience is running out now.

If you cannot post without getting personal, don't post.

 

[Jazx]

Rizwan will be back soon. Infact right now both sarfaraz and rizwan can be included in eleven in place of agha. Sarfaraz is still very usefull as a batsman and rizwan can play as a wicketkeeper batsman. Though rizwan needed some rest so can be pulled out for some series for now.

 

[moghul]

Rizwan will be back ,with a bang. He s a true sportsman , puts a lots of effort on his fitness and game, all he needed was a break to recharge his batteries and now he got it.

Considering Sarfraz's age and poor fitness level, it will be hard for him to sustain his from for long .

Overall, its a healthy competition and is good for the team.

 

[Champ_Pal]

Rizwan is not a Test batsman. He is a better keeper than Sarfraz. But Sarfraz has more heart and patience when it comes to batting long and grind it out a bit.

 

[Justcrazy]

Its better you have two Keepers. One keeper for all three formats is not right , you need to have at least three options available all times.

Rizwan should play 20 20 , whereas in OD and Test Sarfaraz can play 50 % of the games.

 

[pakrock]

Always support Rizwan but to be honest Sarfaraz is good player of spin with his sweeps and range in these pitches...

 

[PakLFC]

Riz needed to be dropped after his non performance in tests. Good to see Saf back in the team scoring the runs too. We need competition in the wicket keeping department as well where Riz was getting a bit to comfortable. Saf will play the second test too no doubt about it.

 

[MenInG]

Basit Ali on Rizwan's issues:

“His bats with an O grip and not V. Because of this his handle his handles usually comes out more and he needs to shorten the length of his handle. If he does this Rizwan will be a completely different player.”

“The handle usually comes out with O grip and it shouldn't be the case. If it comes out, it will naturally disturb the player from playing his shots freely as was the case against (James) Anderson when he was caught at mid-wicket.

“I can only give him advice and it's up to him if he wants to implement it or not. Rest everything is fine.”

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...izwan-s-dip-in-test-form-101672063529616.html

 

[James]

The writing was seemingly on the wall in the final Test against England.

Rizwan had a shocking match with the bat. Two brief innings with very poor caught dismissals — one to a full toss and the other to a debutant.

His head was scrambled and he needed a rest.

 

[Mamoon]

Pathetic decision. And its this kind of short-term thinking why our test side is where it is. How can you expect to build a team when you are dropping guys after a few failures? Rizwan is your vice-captain and one of the mainstays of the test team. He played match-winning knocks against South Africa on these very pitches and has half-centuries in England and Australia.

Pakistan love to look at England and other better teams and the way that they play cricket. But they seem oblivious to many other things that they do. Like backing someone that they have selected fully, until there's no reason to do so, or that player is established in the team. Guys like Bairstow or Crawley would never have found the success they have in recent times if England just moved on from them after a few failures.

Selecting Sarfraz as a batter was not a bad idea in home-conditions. But he should have been selected in-place of Agha Salman who does not come across as a test cricketer in any sense of the word.

Beautiful timing.

 

[Saj]

Watching Rizwan bat recently, he has become a bit too 'funky'.

What I mean by that is that he's trying to create shots and play shots that are not his strength. I don't know whether that's over-confidence or a lack of confidence, but he's not been himself.

In terms of talent, Rizwan isn't naturally gifted, his strength is digging in and making the best of his talent.

Perhaps he needs to reassess his approach and get back to basics.

 

[Slim]

Good decision to drop him to give him a bit of jolt. His performances havent been really inspiring off-late. I trust that he will be back tho!

 

[JibranAnsari]

Sarfraz is 36 and it becomes a difficult job in tests to keep up performance with both gloves and bat. One of the aspects will be affected. Sarfraz at best is the stop gap at the moment and there is no one else really to challenge rizwan in tests and odi. Haris may become a good t20i player. Rizwan is here to stay , he needs to sort himself out and as Saj said return to basics.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

[/b]

Beautiful timing.

Still doesn't compare to the time you called India the best T20 bowling in the world and then 168-0 happened.

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

Rizwan and Sarfaraz both are quality batsman. Pakistan can play both of them at same time.
Imo, Rizwan is better keeper, so he should be play as pure wicketkeeper. Sarfaraz is must in team due to his agressive batting. His quick batting provides x-factor to the team.

 

[Master Blaster]

Will be kicking himself for missing a golden opportunity to stats pad on this road.