Why isn't there a back up wicket-keeper selected for Sarfaraz Ahmed?

[Hasan123]

One thing I have noticed in recent months in most squads selected there is no back up keeper being selected. What if Sarfraz was to get injured, what we would do?

Rizwan got a lot of backing whilst his keeping improved his batting got worse. So he was understandably dropped. But now no keeper is being selected.

What is the reason for this? Are there no keepers good enough for international selection?
[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] [MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION]

 

[mak36]

There is a back up.

Karachi's Mohammad Hassan was given a central contract (category D) and he is doing pretty well in the QeA.

Pretty sure he is their FC captain too.

 

[Hasan123]

There is a back up.

Karachi's Mohammad Hassan was given a central contract (category D) and he is doing pretty well in the QeA.

Pretty sure he is their FC captain too.

Than why isn't he in the national squad as back up? What if Sarfraz got injured and there was no keeper in the squad? It will also create competition for places and it's also important for the future to have a replacement ready

 

[ads101]

Think the back up is Kamran that's why. If Sarfraz gets injured, Kami's flying in lol. And hard to put Kamran in the squad and not play him given his experience. Hence no back up keeper in the squad.

 

[Syed1]

Rizwan was part of the squad for quite a while but he is complete dud with the bat. Inzi needs to throw in some youngster in the mix to be Saifi's apprentice.


But Inzi's love for the Akmals is world renowned and we may see Kami in the squad again.

 

[Hasan123]

One thing i forgot to add in OP is that Steve Rixon did a good job with Rizwan in terms of his glove work. So if we can introduce a young keeper he will improve with a pro coach like Rixon.

 

[Syed1]

One thing i forgot to add in OP is that Steve Rixon did a good job with Rizwan in terms of his glove work. So if we can introduce a young keeper he will improve with a pro coach like Rixon.

Rizwan is the best fielder in Pakistan and a natural athlete with plenty of keeping experience. I don't think Rixon had THAT big of a say in Rizwan's keeping abilities.

 

[Plumb]

Because PCB ll take a nap till Sarfi get injured and then we 'll recall Kami and Adnan . PCB never think of long term. As far as Rizwan is concerned his batting we all have seen the wonders he did.. over hyped cricketer on PP and a specialist fielder.

 

[Boi]

Rohail Nazir needs to be fast tracked and given regular FC, A team opportunities. For now other than Rizwan, Umair Masood has the potential to be a decent back up but I don't think he's going to get decent scores on the treacherous domestic wickets in Pakistan to get noticed by the selectors.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Sarfraz fitness, captaincy will soon make him injured. His fitness for a keeper is not good at the moment.

 

[mak36]

Than why isn't he in the national squad as back up? What if Sarfraz got injured and there was no keeper in the squad? It will also create competition for places and it's also important for the future to have a replacement ready

It's a two match "home" series, what's the need?

Why should Hassan be made to warm the bench whilst the FC season is ongoing? He is a talented keeper/batsman and the best way for him to develop is to actually play cricket.

I am all for competition, but that doesn't really apply here. Sarfaraz has just been appointed captain and so will deservedly be given an extended run. I don't see any other team including competition for a newly appointed captain, especially in such a specialist position (ie wicket-keeper). That would undermine his authority and create factions.

So back ups should be developed and healthy competition is good, but that is best served by allowing fringe players to actually play cricket and develop their game. For away tours it's a different story.

 

[Hasan123]

It's a two match "home" series, what's the need?

Why should Hassan be made to warm the bench whilst the FC season is ongoing? He is a talented keeper/batsman and the best way for him to develop is to actually play cricket.

I am all for competition, but that doesn't really apply here. Sarfaraz has just been appointed captain and so will deservedly be given an extended run. I don't see any other team including competition for a newly appointed captain, especially in such a specialist position (ie wicket-keeper). That would undermine his authority and create factions.

So back ups should be developed and healthy competition is good, but that is best served by allowing fringe players to actually play cricket and develop their game. For away tours it's a different story.

Okay fair enough he needs to play 1st class cricket but even in previous squads there hasn't been a back up keeper.

Sarfraz shouldn't be dropped but if he gets injured we are screwed because we don't have an adequate back up and we don't seem interested in developing a young keeper.

 

[MMHS]

One thing I have noticed in recent months in most squads selected there is no back up keeper being selected. What if Sarfraz was to get injured, what we would do?

Rizwan got a lot of backing whilst his keeping improved his batting got worse. So he was understandably dropped. But now no keeper is being selected.

What is the reason for this? Are there no keepers good enough for international selection?

[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] [MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION]

I think, it's because of being caught in between. Rizwan was invested, but he disappointed with bat, while Md. Hasan doesn't look International class. Therefore, I guess they are working in short term - Sarfraz to play every match, and when his body gives up (he isn't resting in side matches or dead rubbers, being Captain for all 3 formats, without any deputy assigned), they'll fly in KAkmal as "plug & play" back up.

This is the ideal time to bring 2 potential young Keepers into the National management's notice - their age gap is perfect to replace Sarfraz. Rizwan or Hasan will also be over 30 by the time Sarfraz leaves.

 

[Hasan123]

I think, it's because of being caught in between. Rizwan was invested, but he disappointed with bat, while Md. Hasan doesn't look International class. Therefore, I guess they are working in short term - Sarfraz to play every match, and when his body gives up (he isn't resting in side matches or dead rubbers, being Captain for all 3 formats, without any deputy assigned), they'll fly in KAkmal as "plug & play" back up.

This is the ideal time to bring 2 potential young Keepers into the National management's notice - their age gap is perfect to replace Sarfraz. Rizwan or Hasan will also be over 30 by the time Sarfraz leaves.

That's my worry . Sarfraz is playing every game and his fitness isn't the best. So we need to make sure there is an adequate replacement ready for him. Don't see a problem with a young WK learning off Sarfraz and training with a pro coach like Rixon.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

One thing I have noticed in recent months in most squads selected there is no back up keeper being selected. What if Sarfraz was to get injured, what we would do?

Rizwan got a lot of backing whilst his keeping improved his batting got worse. So he was understandably dropped. But now no keeper is being selected.

What is the reason for this? Are there no keepers good enough for international selection?

[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] [MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION]

but he is the captain, and will get insecure if a replacement was on tour.

 

[Hasan123]

but he is the captain, and will get insecure if a replacement was on tour.

He should be mentally strong enough to deal with competition. If he got injured and there was no back up keeper in the squad we would be in trouble.

 

[mak36]

I think, it's because of being caught in between. Rizwan was invested, but he disappointed with bat, while Md. Hasan doesn't look International class. Therefore, I guess they are working in short term - Sarfraz to play every match, and when his body gives up (he isn't resting in side matches or dead rubbers, being Captain for all 3 formats, without any deputy assigned), they'll fly in KAkmal as "plug & play" back up.

This is the ideal time to bring 2 potential young Keepers into the National management's notice - their age gap is perfect to replace Sarfraz. Rizwan or Hasan will also be over 30 by the time Sarfraz leaves.

Yes, let's rubbish the likes of Hasan before they have even debuted.

Kami isn't coming back.

Umair Masood and Rohail Nazir are two good options.

 

[mak36]

Okay fair enough he needs to play 1st class cricket but even in previous squads there hasn't been a back up keeper.

Sarfraz shouldn't be dropped but if he gets injured we are screwed because we don't have an adequate back up and we don't seem interested in developing a young keeper.

Read my earlier post- how does a young player develop by warming up a bench?

The fact they gave Hasan a central contracts shows that they are developing young options.

 

[Mamoon]

It's a two match "home" series, what's the need?

Why should Hassan be made to warm the bench whilst the FC season is ongoing? He is a talented keeper/batsman and the best way for him to develop is to actually play cricket.

I am all for competition, but that doesn't really apply here. Sarfaraz has just been appointed captain and so will deservedly be given an extended run. I don't see any other team including competition for a newly appointed captain, especially in such a specialist position (ie wicket-keeper). That would undermine his authority and create factions.

So back ups should be developed and healthy competition is good, but that is best served by allowing fringe players to actually play cricket and develop their game. For away tours it's a different story.

There is no point in emphasizing on "home" because the series is being played in the UAE. If Sarfraz gets injured, a WK will have to be sent from Pakistan. The cost of which is not going to very high but it is an avoidable cost if the WK is part of the initial squad.

Sarfraz is 30 with borderline fitness and his workload is seriously heavy. It won't hurt to select a reserve WK in the squad. However, contingency planning has never been PCB's forte and we have seen that many times in the past.

 

[Hasan123]

Read my earlier post- how does a young player develop by warming up a bench?

The fact they gave Hasan a central contracts shows that they are developing young options.

You also need to read my post. If Sarfraz gets injured we are screwed because there is no keeper even being readied for international cricket.

He's been given a central contract but never been called up once. What's the point of that? Our domestic season isn't a year and I don't remember his name in any camps pre series.

 

[Rayyman]

[MENTION=141114]Hasan123[/MENTION]

I think Rizwan is the best option.

He hasn't been great with the bat, but he hasn't done bad either.

In ODIs, he averages 30 at 90 SR.

Plus, he is one of if not the best keeper in PAK.

People will bring up his poor series in UAE/Aus. Yes, on this basis he deserve to be dropped, but he hasn't done poorly in domestics and I think he is better than everyone else barring Sarfraz.

Rizwan is an example of a player who has gotten chances, done okay, but then got forgotten about all together.

 

[Hasan123]

[MENTION=141114]Hasan123[/MENTION]

I think Rizwan is the best option.

He hasn't been great with the bat, but he hasn't done bad either.

In ODIs, he averages 30 at 90 SR.

Plus, he is one of if not the best keeper in PAK.

People will bring up his poor series in UAE/Aus. Yes, on this basis he deserve to be dropped, but he hasn't done poorly in domestics and I think he is better than everyone else barring Sarfraz.

Rizwan is an example of a player who has gotten chances, done okay, but then got forgotten about all together.

I like Rizwan but his batting hasn't improved at all and has been rightly dropped. His keeping improved but he needs to improve his batting to get back into contention.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Because there isnt any in domestic.
The kid Rohail is good.

 

[waleed88]

Wasn't there one until last year? Rizwan turned out to worse than tailenders

 

[reversehook]

I do not think Sarfaraz would crack a lot of the playing XI's out there... only in Pakistan is he overhyped... he is not fit enough in this fitness freak regieme and he doesnt really do any justice with the bat. PCB should really look past the akmals, rizwans, etc and find a talent which can actually bat and keep at high standards.

 

[mak36]

You also need to read my post. If Sarfraz gets injured we are screwed because there is no keeper even being readied for international cricket.

He's been given a central contract but never been called up once. What's the point of that? Our domestic season isn't a year and I don't remember his name in any camps pre series.

How do they know they aren't being readied?

Rizwan was called up for the training camp before the SL series so it's not like they aren't aware of the issue.

 

[Justcrazy]

Its lack of planning.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Rizwan is the backup keeper. Unfortunately, there are no better options.

 

[Asimpervez]

But isnt that how batsmen get selected when you get an average of 30 your good enough when its 50+ then its too high

 

[Hasan123]

Sarfraz performance with the gloves in recent months show that we need a back up. He's only in the team because of his captaincy. He's 30 with rubbish fitness, we need to have a back up keeper in the squad at least.

 

[MRSN]

Because according to Rashid Latif it is not good for Sarfraz as he will be mentally challenged and insecure.

 

[silent ischemia]

There is a back up.

Karachi's Mohammad Hassan was given a central contract (category D) and he is doing pretty well in the QeA.

Pretty sure he is their FC captain too.

Omair Masood is a better keeper and batsman than Hassan. Rohail Nazir the under 19 kid is a future star

 

[Syed1]

Need to have someone in the squad since Sarfaraz's own performance with bat and gloves is going downhill match after match.

He is an excellent captain but he needs to perform in his primary roles first to hold a spot in the side.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Umair Masood and Rohail Nazir should be developed.

Hassan is also a decent WK but not a very good batsman.

The only one who has international experience(except for Kami) is M.Rizwan.He should ideally be the backup on the bench.

 

[ChoudherySix]

I know this sounds really really bad but I loved Mohammed Rizwan’s keeping skills during the 2016-17 Australia series. He was flying all over the place catching 140-150 kmph edges.

I know some of you might hate me for saying this, but I would make Rizwan the main keeper with Sarfraz captaining as the first slip. So Rizwan and Sarfraz behind the stumps, with Sarfraz ocassionally in the outfield.

 

[Abdullah719]

I know this sounds really really bad but I loved Mohammed Rizwan’s keeping skills during the 2016-17 Australia series. He was flying all over the place catching 140-150 kmph edges.

I know some of you might hate me for saying this, but I would make Rizwan the main keeper with Sarfraz captaining as the first slip. So Rizwan and Sarfraz behind the stumps, with Sarfraz ocassionally in the outfield.

So that makes two specialist keepers in one team? Because neither of them are looking all that competent with the bat...

 

[srh]

Definitely Rizwan should not be the backup. Dude has too many weaknesses in his game and so is not an international material.

 

[samplepiece]

If I am not mistaken, with the changed rules, a substitute can keep wickets in case the keeper gets injured. That alone should merit a backup keeper in the squad.

 

[Kohli The King of Chase]

Sarfraz is a bad keeper.

Sahibzada
Fakhar
Babar
Haris
Sarfraz *
Imad/ Faheem
Rizwan +
Shadab
Hassan
Amir
Usman.

Rizwan can fly like Superman for catches, which was evident in Australia. He can even fly without gloves.

You need such keepers who'll never drop catches

Atlast catches win matches.

Recent example of Williamson being dropped.

 

[MMHS]

If I am not mistaken, with the changed rules, a substitute can keep wickets in case the keeper gets injured. That alone should merit a backup keeper in the squad.

That "trick" hardly works, when you appoint WK as your captain, on his Leadership" skills, beyond batting & keeping. Besides, if he is to play as specialist bat, as Captain, he'll have to field most times inside inner ring with his 15 stone body - better running teams 'll convert ones into twos in his direction within inner rings.

 

[indipper]

you dont carry 2 keepers in 15 thats why.

 

[MMHS]

you dont carry 2 keepers in 15 thats why.

But every team carries a 2nd batsman-wk who makes the team/squad in batting merit, but can stand in emergency. Dravid did that for a decade, now they are doing with Kartik & KL; BCB has picked Anamul with Mushi, SRL has 3/4 in playing XI, Poms carry both Jhonny & Josh, Kiwis has Latham..... more or less same with every team. PAK has the best option in Umar, but someone has to understand that if Sarfu breaks finger in today’s practice, tmro either Kamran’ll play direct from airport or MoHa ‘ll need to show his latest all round skill.

 

[ChoudherySix]

If you want to make the team full of keepers here it is:

Bismillah Khan +
Kamran Akmal +
Babar Azam +
Adman Akmal +
Mohammed Rizwan +
Sarfraz Ahmed *+
Umar Akmal +
Mohammed Aamer
Mohammed Irfan
Mohammed Talha
Mohammed Abbas

But obviously this would be the worst squad in the century.

 

[Suleiman]

Did you know Hafeez is also blessed in a 4th facet of the game?

 

[Rayyman]

But every team carries a 2nd batsman-wk who makes the team/squad in batting merit, but can stand in emergency. Dravid did that for a decade, now they are doing with Kartik & KL; BCB has picked Anamul with Mushi, SRL has 3/4 in playing XI, Poms carry both Jhonny & Josh, Kiwis has Latham..... more or less same with every team. PAK has the best option in Umar, but someone has to understand that if Sarfu breaks finger in today’s practice, tmro either Kamran’ll play direct from airport or MoHa ‘ll need to show his latest all round skill.

Aus have Handscomb, SA have ABDV, WI have Chadwick W...

 

[Usman Chadda]

The criticism levelled at Sarfraz is amazing.

Chillaata woh apni team ke larkon pe hai, taqleef un se zyada tumhein ho rahi hai.

 

[TeymurBlake]

A backup should be present with the team, no doubt about it but not part of the line-up unless something happens to (god forbid)Sarfraz Ahmed

 

[DRsohail]

if i am not wrong the Umar siddiq guy from lahore can bat and keep lwicket as wel.

 

[Hasan123]

The criticism levelled at Sarfraz is amazing.

Chillaata woh apni team ke larkon pe hai, taqleef un se zyada tumhein ho rahi hai.

Well when your the captain of the team and not performing, what do you expect? He's hardly performed with the bat and gloves since being made captain so he's had enough of a free ride.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Well when your the captain of the team and not performing, what do you expect? He's hardly performed with the bat and gloves since being made captain so he's had enough of a free ride.

It's been one match. He's not had much of an opportunity with the bat thanks to Babar, Malik and Hafeez bashing Sri Lanka. Won us a crucial match in the Champions Trophy with an unbeaten 61. Not performing?

Dropped catches are a concern, but he's largely been safe behind the stumps.

 

[samplepiece]

That "trick" hardly works, when you appoint WK as your captain, on his Leadership" skills, beyond batting & keeping. Besides, if he is to play as specialist bat, as Captain, he'll have to field most times inside inner ring with his 15 stone body - better running teams 'll convert ones into twos in his direction within inner rings.

What I meant to say is that if Sarfaraz were to get injured during the game, the backup keeper in the squad could come in and keep instead of having a part-time keeper keep.

 

[Hasan123]

It's been one match. He's not had much of an opportunity with the bat thanks to Babar, Malik and Hafeez bashing Sri Lanka. Won us a crucial match in the Champions Trophy with an unbeaten 61. Not performing?

Dropped catches are a concern, but he's largely been safe behind the stumps.

I knew you would refer to that innings . How many other innings has he performed in?

Well he should have the guts to move up the order as the captain he'll surely have some say in his batting position and his keeping has been awful for a while.

 

[Usman Chadda]

I knew you would refer to that innings . How many other innings has he performed in?

Well he should have the guts to move up the order as the captain he'll surely have some say in his batting position and his keeping has been awful for a while.

How many innings has he had the opportunity to bat for a decent number of overs? At most two? Have some perspective.

Awful keeping is Kamran Akmal. Sarfraz has been going unnoticed for many games now, meaning he hasn't been bad behind the stumps. Every keeper has an off day. Buttler and Bairstow would find themselves out of the LOI team by now if awful keeping was the criteria.

 

[indipper]

But every team carries a 2nd batsman-wk who makes the team/squad in batting merit, but can stand in emergency. Dravid did that for a decade, now they are doing with Kartik & KL; BCB has picked Anamul with Mushi, SRL has 3/4 in playing XI, Poms carry both Jhonny & Josh, Kiwis has Latham..... more or less same with every team. PAK has the best option in Umar, but someone has to understand that if Sarfu breaks finger in today’s practice, tmro either Kamran’ll play direct from airport or MoHa ‘ll need to show his latest all round skill.

Not really, that second keeper doesn't have to be a specialist one. Like Dravid. Maybe we also got one in playing XI which would be revealed if Sarfi gets injured

 

[MMHS]

Not really, that second keeper doesn't have to be a specialist one. Like Dravid. Maybe we also got one in playing XI which would be revealed if Sarfi gets injured

I can see you haven't read my first line carefully

You have seen very little cricket bro. Rahul Sharad Dravid was Karnataka State WK till his early 20s, he was picked as WK for IND A, then as 1st WK for IND in 2003 WC ...... may be before you were born

WK is a specialist job - needs lots of physical preparation and it's not easy to keep against fast moving balls. If just one ball lands on Babar's finger nails, instead of palm ...... besides, guy bats at 3 - might come to bat in 1st over after keeping with bent knee for hours.....

It was a blunder bro., may be they wanted to keep Sarfraz comfortable - they way he is "performing" these days, a back-up WK might instigate the man to man-handle his young players, instead of usual verbal bashing.

 

[MMHS]

What I meant to say is that if Sarfaraz were to get injured during the game, the backup keeper in the squad could come in and keep instead of having a part-time keeper keep.

True, but squad number is also limited. That's why teams often pick a batsman who can stand in crisis.

 

[indipper]

I can see you haven't read my first line carefully

You have seen very little cricket bro. Rahul Sharad Dravid was Karnataka State WK till his early 20s, he was picked as WK for IND A, then as 1st WK for IND in 2003 WC ...... may be before you were born

WK is a specialist job - needs lots of physical preparation and it's not easy to keep against fast moving balls. If just one ball lands on Babar's finger nails, instead of palm ...... besides, guy bats at 3 - might come to bat in 1st over after keeping with bent knee for hours.....

It was a blunder bro., may be they wanted to keep Sarfraz comfortable - they way he is "performing" these days, a back-up WK might instigate the man to man-handle his young players, instead of usual verbal bashing.

True about Dravid (No, unfortunately I was alive in 90s to see Pakistan dramatic fall in WC 99 final). But the question is how many others teams keep a B keeper with some experience? You wont find that in every team. If its there, its a luxury. But at international level you can bank on other players to do basic keeping at least.

 

[Hasan123]

How many innings has he had the opportunity to bat for a decent number of overs? At most two? Have some perspective.

Awful keeping is Kamran Akmal. Sarfraz has been going unnoticed for many games now, meaning he hasn't been bad behind the stumps. Every keeper has an off day. Buttler and Bairstow would find themselves out of the LOI team by now if awful keeping was the criteria.

He was batting fine at number 5 but he gave his position up for Hafeez. As captain he will have a say in his batting position.

His keeping has been awful for a while and his fitness is beyond a joke. The critiscm is only going to get worse if he didn't start performing and we go on a bad run

Also Bairstow and Buttler keeping hasn't been bad.

 

[Usman Chadda]

He was batting fine at number 5 but he gave his position up for Hafeez. As captain he will have a say in his batting position.

His keeping has been awful for a while and his fitness is beyond a joke. The critiscm is only going to get worse if he didn't start performing and we go on a bad run

Also Bairstow and Buttler keeping hasn't been bad.

Bairstow and Buttler hasn't been bad? Either you don't watch matches involving England or you are unnecessarily criticising Sarfraz. Buttler routinely misses stumpings and catches, while Bairstow has his fair share of chances too.

 

[Hasan123]

Bairstow and Buttler hasn't been bad? Either you don't watch matches involving England or you are unnecessarily criticising Sarfraz. Buttler routinely misses stumpings and catches, while Bairstow has his fair share of chances too.

Sarfraz has done the same thing over the last few months. Bairstow isn't a regular keeper so it's understandable why he would miss them.

Anyway Sarfraz being poor with his keeping and fitness has nothing to do with other keepers. It's only his own fault.

My point is that he will get critzced for not performing and rightly so.