- Pakistan needs Babar for important series ahead so there is a need to allow him proper rest.
- The youngsters lack specific techniques to play on bouncy pitches.
- Sarfraz advises the bowlers to understand how Tim Southee exploited the conditions.
KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricketer Sarfraz Nawaz has advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to call back Babar Azam immediately who was ruled out of the T20I series against New Zealand after sustaining an injury.
The star batsman is also doubtful for the first Test against the Kiwis.
Sarfaraz Nawaz, who is currently in London, told The News it was a risky affair to expose Babar who is down with a thumb fracture.
“He should be called back immediately from New Zealand and allowed to take proper rest for the forthcoming home series against South Africa. Risking his injury would be dangerous even in the second Test.”
The former cricketer said that he has seen many players who were exposed to competitive cricket prematurely and added, “you need at least one month to recover fully”.
”Complete healing is the main requirement for a high-level competition. Babar is a valuable asset for the national team so proper handling of his injury is need of the hour.”
Sarfraz added that unnecessary haste in fielding Babar against Kiwis could lead to dangerous consequences for Pakistan.
“Pakistan needs Babar for important series ahead so there is a need to allow him proper rest rather exposing him prematurely on bouncy New Zealand tracks where his injury may get even worse in case he gets a hit again.”
