"Sarfaraz Ahmed is not a good wicket-keeper" : Ramiz Raja

[Hawkeye]

It's just the start, that mandatory first innings drop. Wait for the England tour for more drops.

I fear he's going to cost us matches because of his poor keeping.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

I have a feeling England series will be lost due to fielding - and not batting or bowling.

 

[Someone]

Well well well

 

[Big Mac]

He dropped that last catch because he is scared Rahat will ascend to his rightful role as captain and grand emperor of Pakistan cricket and is doing his best to keep him down.

 

[UN talkz]

70.6
0
Rahat Ali to Thompson, no run, edged, and just short of the diving keeper! A regulation nick to a lifter on off stump, but it was always heading down, so Sarfraz ended up sprawling at first slip's feet... EDIT: I think that did carry actually. A tough chance but a drop all the same

 

[Khan12]

Unfortunately his batting is becoming even more worse now.

 

[Hasan123]

His keeping has gotten worse. He really needs to step up.

 

[GrandMaster]

And people say fitness is overrated

 

[barah_admi]

His keeping is too lethargic and without solid batting to make up for it I'm struggling to see his place in the side.

I've been saying this for a while, long before most of you forget about the CT.

I can understand him keeping his place in LOIs due to his captaincy and pacey batting but he is far from test standard imo.

 

[Khan12]

Need to start investing in Umair Masood. Sarfraz days are numbered in tests.

 

[MMHS]

The bitter truth is (hope, I am not shot dead through Internet) - had Lankans not choked couple of dollies, by now instead of PAK, Sarfraz would have been keeping for Omar Associates in Patrons' trophy.

 

[world cup captain]

Sarfraz has become a burden with his non existent batting, awful keeping and now ultra defensive captaincy. Get anyone who can keep in FC and have Fakhar take over test captaincy by next year.

 

[Abdul]

And people say fitness is overrated

"Fitness is overrated" is the most idiotic thing one can ever say.

 

[Someone]

The bitter truth is (hope, I am not shot dead through Internet) - had Lankans not choked couple of dollies, by now instead of PAK, Sarfraz would have been keeping for Omar Associates in Patrons' trophy.

Well said..

 

[Asif321]

unfit taking catch

 

[waleed88]

His keeping has been excellent - Nasser Hussain talking about Sarfraz

4 catches in total, including one down the leg side, and then stunner off David Malan... [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]

Club level keeping

 

[MMHS]

His keeping has been excellent - Nasser Hussain talking about Sarfraz

4 catches in total, including one down the leg side, and then stunner off David Malan... [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]

Club level keeping

He did keep well here, but Test WK is expected to take those, it's a thankless job. Regarding a good game, Wasim has a highest of 257*, higher than Tendulkar - what's your point?

 

[waleed88]

He did keep well here, but Test WK is expected to take those, it's a thankless job. Regarding a good game, Wasim has a highest of 257*, higher than Tendulkar - what's your point?

Apples and oranges, Wasim' 257 has nothing to do with a keeper's performance... His keeping has benefitted the team and induced a collapsed on top of his fine captaincy...

 

[Major]

Sarfaraz Ahmed standing up to the stumps with a fast-bowler bowling

Buttler kept standing down the pitch to take the LBW out of the equation against Abbas.

Sarfraz then calls in for a helmet, and stands there at the stumps while a fast bowler comes in. Slip was at the back


Scary stuff. Sarfraz caught the first ball while the second was played.

loved the attitude by the captain

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sarfaraz has had his critics but that was one of the best catches you will ever see from a wicket-keeper <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EngvPak?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EngvPak</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1000373713798422528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Syed1]

That's thud in the gloves..... And he made it look so easy.

 

[Major]

Does it again

 

[MRSN]

Two missed stumpings today. We all have seen his mediocre batting but even his keeping is losing the plot. It's really hurts to have this player as our captain who gives zero inspiration with bat, gloves or talking.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Two missed stumpings today. We all have seen his mediocre batting but even his keeping is losing the plot. It's really hurts to have this player as our captain who gives zero inspiration with bat, gloves or talking.

What are the alternatives?

 

[alized]

Sarfraz misses a plumb LBW review. Another fail in the wicket keeping department. As Rambo alluded to MS Dhoni, who would’ve immediately called for a review.

 

[shah_1]

And kis keeping has been extremly poor

 

[Hasan123]

He has been proven right in the end for once.

 

[Mainul]

What are the alternatives?

Rizwan

 

[Hamza_]

[MENTION=136446]Mainul[/MENTION] Rizwan is an average WK.

 

[Mainul]

[MENTION=136446]Mainul[/MENTION] Rizwan is an average WK.

If he is average with the gloves, no need to take him in the team. I am always in favor of the best wicketkeeper in the team,that's why I always loved Rashid Latif.Even if the WK doesn't bat well I have no issue,but he must be a super duper wicketkeeper. But now a day's batting is more important than wicketkeeping.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Rizwan

) ) )

 

[sully3]

) ) )

easily the best keeper in Pakistan

batting wise not any different to Sarfraz

 

[Usman Chadda]

easily the best keeper in Pakistan

batting wise not any different to Sarfraz

Did you watch his last innings where he was struggling to get the ball off the square against the lightning fast Faulkner? Did you watch him make a fool of himself in the ODI Series against England in UAE off Adil Rashid's leg spin, where his bat was in Lahore while the pads were in Karachi?

 

[sully3]

Did you watch his last innings where he was struggling to get the ball off the square against the lightning fast Faulkner? Did you watch him make a fool of himself in the ODI Series against England in UAE off Adil Rashid's leg spin, where his bat was in Lahore while the pads were in Karachi?

have you seen Sarfraz bat for the last 2 years. averaging 12 in all formats. give Rizwan as much chances Sarfraz has got and i promise you he will average 30 minimum.

And talking about keeping alone Rizwan is light years ahead of sarfraz.

 

[Khan12]

He's rubbish at everything. Should get rid of him.

 

[MMHS]

There is a phrase - "even a broken clock is right twice a day" ...... in PP, we should use a new one for same purpose - "even Rambo Raza was right about something in cricket, once in his life time" ........

 

[Hasan123]

Did you watch his last innings where he was struggling to get the ball off the square against the lightning fast Faulkner? Did you watch him make a fool of himself in the ODI Series against England in UAE off Adil Rashid's leg spin, where his bat was in Lahore while the pads were in Karachi?

So there's no keeper in Pakistan who can average 30 and be a solid keeper who takes catches and stumping? If you honestly believe there isn't our cricket is a very very dark place.

A new keeper needs to be tried, if they aren't successful we move onto the next one. There's no reason to keep this pathetic cricketer in the side anymore.

 

[MRSN]

have you seen Sarfraz bat for the last 2 years. averaging 12 in all formats. give Rizwan as much chances Sarfraz has got and i promise you he will average 30 minimum.

And talking about keeping alone Rizwan is light years ahead of sarfraz.

Have seen Rizwan take som extraordinary catches. Definitely Rizwan is miles ahead of Sarfraz. Also Rizwan is extremely underrated as a test batsman. He is not dynamic but he is someone like Paine who can play gritty knocks. Just needs time. He won't do worse than the overhyped good for nothing Sarfraz.

 

[MRSN]

[MENTION=136446]Mainul[/MENTION] Rizwan is an average WK.

Average? You have got to be kidding me. He is the best wk in Pakistan by country miles. Only Adnan Akmal gives him competition when it comes to keeping.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Have seen Rizwan take som extraordinary catches. Definitely Rizwan is miles ahead of Sarfraz. Also Rizwan is extremely underrated as a test batsman. He is not dynamic but he is someone like Paine who can play gritty knocks. Just needs time. He won't do worse than the overhyped good for nothing Sarfraz.

Lol Rizwan is awful. We sadly don't have any options but to stick with Sarf.

 

[sully3]

Have seen Rizwan take som extraordinary catches. Definitely Rizwan is miles ahead of Sarfraz. Also Rizwan is extremely underrated as a test batsman. He is not dynamic but he is someone like Paine who can play gritty knocks. Just needs time. He won't do worse than the overhyped good for nothing Sarfraz.

exactly, Rizwan given the same chances and exposure Sarfraz has got playing international cricket for the last 10 years im sure he will be a better batsman then Sarfraz and wicket keeping between two isnt even a question.

anyone with know how of domestic cricket will vouch Rizwan is the best keeper in Pakistan by a country mile. If anyone has any doubts watch him keep wicket against Nairine and Yasir for LQ in PSL and see his flawless keeping.
[MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] can we please get your insight on this Sarfraz vs Rizwan debate.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

exactly, Rizwan given the same chances and exposure Sarfraz has got playing international cricket for the last 10 years im sure he will be a better batsman then Sarfraz and wicket keeping between two isnt even a question.

anyone with know how of domestic cricket will vouch Rizwan is the best keeper in Pakistan by a country mile. If anyone has any doubts watch him keep wicket against Nairine and Yasir for LQ in PSL and see his flawless keeping.
[MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] can we please get your insight on this Sarfraz vs Rizwan debate.

No chance Rizwan would win us matches with the bat Sarf that has.

 

[MRSN]

Lol Rizwan is awful. We sadly don't have any options but to stick with Sarf.

People like you is reason why Pakistan cricket will never move forward. We can't replace this mediocre ttf then we really should shut domestic cricket and also start following other sports because at this rate no one has time to watch team lead by such a mediocre player who shouts like a mad kid with zero performance to back it up.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

People like you is reason why Pakistan cricket will never move forward. We can't replace this mediocre ttf then we really should shut domestic cricket and also start following other sports because at this rate no one has time to watch team lead by such a mediocre player who shouts like a mad kid with zero performance to back it up.

Your best option is Rizwan which speaks volumes.

 

[MMHS]

Probably a blind can see that Rizwan is a better keeper, and he is 5 years younger than Sarfraz ... apparently MUCH fitter as well (apparently, because I don't know his YoYo score, might not be 18.2 ....).

His FC average is 42 for 4K runs; his List A average is 44 (@ 87) for 3K+ runs which suggests he should average better than 15 given couple of full series, even against top teams.

His Only Test average is 13, and ODI average is 29 (@90). However, his ODI stats are misleading, because it's spoiled by his last 8 games in WIN & AUS, where he scored in total 72 for an average of 14 - and got dropped, though he was fantastic as WK in the AUS Series. He played as specialist bat before these 8 games and had a stats of 35/95.

Here someone is struggling to match Rizwan's last 8 games with bat (before being dropped for now like 15 months - after SRL game in CT, stats of 17/71, and Test stats as Captain of 19/56 for 6 games) and keeping like part-timers ..... still has the largest fan base in PP for his Captaincy (& motivational speeches during fielding) - that's why I say, it must be his leadership style, tactics & persona.....

 

[Hawkeye]

Average? You have got to be kidding me. He is the best wk in Pakistan by country miles. Only Adnan Akmal gives him competition when it comes to keeping.

Rizwan is extremely mediocre.

Even Umar AKmal is a better keeper than him, trust me.

 

[MRSN]

Probably a blind can see that Rizwan is a better keeper, and he is 5 years younger than Sarfraz ... apparently MUCH fitter as well (apparently, because I don't know his YoYo score, might not be 18.2 ....).

His FC average is 42 for 4K runs; his List A average is 44 (@ 87) for 3K+ runs which suggests he should average better than 15 given couple of full series, even against top teams.

His Only Test average is 13, and ODI average is 29 (@90). However, his ODI stats are misleading, because it's spoiled by his last 8 games in WIN & AUS, where he scored in total 72 for an average of 14 - and got dropped, though he was fantastic as WK in the AUS Series. He played as specialist bat before these 8 games and had a stats of 35/95.

Here someone is struggling to match Rizwan's last 8 games with bat (before being dropped for now like 15 months - after SRL game in CT, stats of 17/71, and Test stats as Captain of 19/56 for 6 games) and keeping like part-timers ..... still has the largest fan base in PP for his Captaincy (& motivational speeches during fielding) - that's why I say, it must be his leadership style, tactics & persona.....

Absolutely. That guy should be making the team on the basis of wk skills let alone batting. He can definitely contribute with the bat. He is quite underrated. I have seen him play som really good knocks especially against good SL attack in SL. He has to be given a fair run. Sarfraz shoukd be sacked.

 

[Usman Chadda]

So there's no keeper in Pakistan who can average 30 and be a solid keeper who takes catches and stumping? If you honestly believe there isn't our cricket is a very very dark place.

A new keeper needs to be tried, if they aren't successful we move onto the next one. There's no reason to keep this pathetic cricketer in the side anymore.

Unfortunately, yes. When PSL teams are picking rubbish players like Bangash, Hasan etc, you know you have a huge problem in your domestic cricket. Our domestic cricket has no international level off-spinner, wicket-keeper or a genuine pace bowler

 

[Usman Chadda]

Probably a blind can see that Rizwan is a better keeper, and he is 5 years younger than Sarfraz ... apparently MUCH fitter as well (apparently, because I don't know his YoYo score, might not be 18.2 ....).

His FC average is 42 for 4K runs; his List A average is 44 (@ 87) for 3K+ runs which suggests he should average better than 15 given couple of full series, even against top teams.

His Only Test average is 13, and ODI average is 29 (@90). However, his ODI stats are misleading, because it's spoiled by his last 8 games in WIN & AUS, where he scored in total 72 for an average of 14 - and got dropped, though he was fantastic as WK in the AUS Series. He played as specialist bat before these 8 games and had a stats of 35/95.

Here someone is struggling to match Rizwan's last 8 games with bat (before being dropped for now like 15 months - after SRL game in CT, stats of 17/71, and Test stats as Captain of 19/56 for 6 games) and keeping like part-timers ..... still has the largest fan base in PP for his Captaincy (& motivational speeches during fielding) - that's why I say, it must be his leadership style, tactics & persona.....

No thanks. People might have short memories, but I remember enough of Rizwan’s mediocrity to never consider him as an option for international cricket. Probably the best option as only a keeper right now in Pakistan, but as a batsman he’s as good as that joke Mohammad Salman we tried out in West Indies in 2011. He can’t play genuine pace and he can’t play spin.

Would much rather Muhammad Hasan or Bismillah Khan get a chance over this rubbish player. Even these two are as mediocre as they come.

 

[Hasan123]

Unfortunately, yes. When PSL teams are picking rubbish players like Bangash, Hasan etc, you know you have a huge problem in your domestic cricket. Our domestic cricket has no international level off-spinner, wicket-keeper or a genuine pace bowler

We have to give someone a chance. I'm sorry Sarfraz rubbish performance can't continue. Even if we have to make a few changes until we find the right player it has to be done.

 

[Usman Chadda]

We have to give someone a chance. I'm sorry Sarfraz rubbish performance can't continue. Even if we have to make a few changes until we find the right player it has to be done.

Then it's better to bring back Kamran Akmal, who could give us sporadic performances with the bat rather than pick mediocrity just for the sake of giving someone a chance. The only keeper-batsman good enough to replace Sarfraz right now is Kamran Akmal, and that is as sad as it can get.

 

[Hasan123]

Then it's better to bring back Kamran Akmal, who could give us sporadic performances with the bat rather than pick mediocrity just for the sake of giving someone a chance. The only keeper-batsman good enough to replace Sarfraz right now is Kamran Akmal, and that is as sad as it can get.

No that's an excuse.

You have to give a young keeper a chance. Not having great domestic stats isn't a reason to keep Sarfraz.

 

[Usman Chadda]

No that's an excuse.

You have to give a young keeper a chance. Not having great domestic stats isn't a reason to keep Sarfraz.

The output will be pretty much the same, or maybe worse, than Sarfraz's. If you want an international class batsman to replace Sarfraz, why not a stop-gap solution like Kamran Akmal?

There is no young keeper in our domestic cricket. Pretty much everyone is trash.

 

[Hasan123]

The output will be pretty much the same, or maybe worse, than Sarfraz's. If you want an international class batsman to replace Sarfraz, why not a stop-gap solution like Kamran Akmal?

There is no young keeper in our domestic cricket. Pretty much everyone is trash.

I don't believe that no one isn't good enough. Look at Sarfraz stats in all formats in the last year. A keeper from domestics should be able to match that and reduce the mistakes behind the stumps.

 

[Usman Chadda]

I don't believe that no one isn't good enough. Look at Sarfraz stats in all formats in the last year. A keeper from domestics should be able to match that and reduce the mistakes behind the stumps.

So we want to replace mediocrity with mediocrity? Why not take a pint on Kamran Akmal in the off chance you get a few good innings out of him?

 

[Hasan123]

So we want to replace mediocrity with mediocrity? Why not take a pint on Kamran Akmal in the off chance you get a few good innings out of him?

I haven't even mentioned Kamran and who has told you the replacement would definitely fail? PP experts told us that Imam was rubbish. PP experts wrote off Hasan Ali. PP experts told us Abbas is a trundler.


Until a keeper is tried you can't say they will do worse than Sarfraz.

 

[MMHS]

No thanks. People might have short memories, but I remember enough of Rizwan’s mediocrity to never consider him as an option for international cricket. Probably the best option as only a keeper right now in Pakistan, but as a batsman he’s as good as that joke Mohammad Salman we tried out in West Indies in 2011. He can’t play genuine pace and he can’t play spin.

Would much rather Muhammad Hasan or Bismillah Khan get a chance over this rubbish player. Even these two are as mediocre as they come.

At least now you accepted that there is options available & a change can happen. If not Rizwan, then there must be someone else. Instead of Sarfraz (for not improving his game after enjoying utmost support from PCB), I actually criticize PCB more for not preparing a back-up WK, and appointing a WK as Captain for 3 formats.

 

[WengerOut]

Path is clear for Umar Akmal to make a Bairstowsque come back

 

[Usman Chadda]

At least now you accepted that there is options available & a change can happen. If not Rizwan, then there must be someone else. Instead of Sarfraz (for not improving his game after enjoying utmost support from PCB), I actually criticize PCB more for not preparing a back-up WK, and appointing a WK as Captain for 3 formats.

Nowhere did I say we have options. Kamran Akmal is the only keeper-batsman in domestic cricket that is good enough to replace Sarfraz. Anyone else replacing him will give a similar output, or maybe even worse.

People here have enough knowledge of domestic cricket to point out a potentially good wicket-keeper batsman. We salivate over any half decent player, so why are we missing a WK time and again on this forum?

 

[Saj]

I think today was his best performance as a wicket-keeper for a long time.

Good catch, excellent stumping and good handling for the run-out.

 

[Saj]

I think today was his best performance as a wicket-keeper for a long time.

Good catch, excellent stumping and good handling for the run-out.

Make that 2 good catches now.

 

[coy0607]

Kept wicket like a champ today
Basically flawless

 

[mak36]

He's been brilliant for a while.

 

[Asif321]

Terrific behind the stumps this test as Mickey also said
He has catched everything didn’t miss a single chance
His keeping has been great since 6 to 8 months
We will not give credit but will bump if one stumping is missed
Pp experts saying he has technical flaw in keeping

 

[coy0607]

as his form with the bat has fallen, his keeping has improved.

been excellent behind the wicket for the last 6+ months

 

[aukhan]

His keeping has been flawless recently but his batting has been horrible.

 

[PakPremi]

His keeping has been flawless recently but his batting has been horrible.

His batting is returning as well in this season he already has a 84, 94 and 30 not out. Consistency of his scoring is in line with most Pakistani batsmen.
Lol at people on this thread using a bad review to discredit his wicketkeeper skills, talk of desperation to malign someone you hate even though the player works his backside off to perform for the team you support . Although I do not agree with it he is captaining three formats, wicket keeping in three and is also is expected to score at above thirty average(his overall is much higher). If he gives up T20s he will have more time to work on his batting and of course less pressure.

 

[Saj]

The current New Zealand series has probably been his best as a wicket-keeper. Kept well and looked quite agile.

 

[aukhan]

His batting is returning as well in this season he already has a 84, 94 and 30 not out. Consistency of his scoring is in line with most Pakistani batsmen.
Lol at people on this thread using a bad review to discredit his wicketkeeper skills, talk of desperation to malign someone you hate even though the player works his backside off to perform for the team you support . Although I do not agree with it he is captaining three formats, wicket keeping in three and is also is expected to score at above thirty average(his overall is much higher). If he gives up T20s he will have more time to work on his batting and of course less pressure.

So far T20 has been his most successful format as Captain. It's Test and ODI's where he has become a liability in last 2 years. In T20's he is performing so no criticism on him in that format.

 

[PakPremi]

So far T20 has been his most successful format as Captain. It's Test and ODI's where he has become a liability in last 2 years. In T20's he is performing so no criticism on him in that format.

He has been keeping really well in all three formats not just ODI and as far as his batting goes we need it more in tests and ODI then in T20. In T20 he hardly gets an over or two to face and near the end you need a big hitting batsman/all rounder (be it the fake type), whereas in the longer format our brittle batting needs more contribution from him, and MashaAllah in tests he looks to be returning to batting form.

 

[Hawkeye]

How bad is he?

Last match, he missed an easy catch in the final over because he's too freaking fat and can't move.

Now today again, couldn't stop the ball off Hasnain. Even commentators are furious at his poor keeping.

 

[Hasan123]

I can remember Rizwan made one mistake against Australia and apparently that meant he didn't keep well. But when specialist captain makes a mistake he still kept well. This average player gets too much protection.

 

[Abdullah719]

I can remember Rizwan made one mistake against Australia and apparently that meant he didn't keep well. But when specialist captain makes a mistake he still kept well. This average player gets too much protection.

'Specialist captain' has actually done a very good job as a wicket-keeper over the past year or so barring a few errors here and there, which is why this thread hasn't been active for a while.

 

[Mamoon]

As I said yesterday, Mickey and others praise him for doing his primary job as if he has performed miracles behind the stumps.

He does the bare minimum and takes catches that all regular keepers take, and I don’t remember the last time he pulled off something spectacular.

Thanks to Karachi mafia in the media, he gets praised for taking dollies but hardly anyone talks about his elementary errors.

 

[Hasan123]

'Specialist captain' has actually done a very good job as a wicket-keeper over the past year or so barring a few errors here and there, which is why this thread hasn't been active for a while.

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] is right. All he does is the bare minimum. He isn't doing anything that a standard keeper can't do.

 

[Abdullah719]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] is right. All he does is the bare minimum. He isn't doing anything that a standard keeper can't do.

So he was doing his job.

 

[Hawkeye]

'Specialist captain' has actually done a very good job as a wicket-keeper over the past year or so barring a few errors here and there, which is why this thread hasn't been active for a while.

Not a very good job, when it requires him to do a little more than 'very easy', he always fails.

There's a reason why this thread is so huge.

 

[Hasan123]

So he was doing his job.

If there was a difficult chance he wouldn't be able to take it more than likely. Top class keepers would. He is nothing special. Don't understand why you want to defend him so much.

 

[Hawkeye]

Now misses a catch - albeit a difficult one.

 

[Abdullah719]

Not a very good job, when it requires him to do a little more than 'very easy', he always fails.

There's a reason why this thread is so huge.

This thread is huge because he was very poor for a few years with his wicket-keeping. You'll notice 12 of the 13 pages are from pre-2017.

He improved after becoming the captain.

If there was a difficult chance he wouldn't be able to take it more than likely. Top class keepers would. He is nothing special. Don't understand why you want to defend him so much.

Because I have used my eyes and to my eyes, he has done a good job over the past year or so. You're entitled to argue objectively, but I don't think 'ifs' fit the criteria.