Former fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, believes that Pakistan’s wicket-keeper, Mohammad Rizwan, should regularly open the innings for the Pakistan national team in the T20Is. Akhtar said that Rizwan proved himself as an exceptional opener, and Pakistan should utilize his smart cricketing sense at the top of the order.
ALSO READ
Australian Spinner Slams Pakistani Journalist for Lying Over His COVID-19 Results
Akhtar said that one of the regular openers would either have to go down the batting order or be left out of the team altogether to accommodate Rizwan. Akhtar said that Rizwan is in excellent form, and he has proved his mettle in the international arena and the PSL.
Akhtar added that apart from being an exceptional batsman, Rizwan has a good cricketing sense, he is fit, and his running between the wickets is outstanding.
“Rizwan made full use of the opportunity to bat in the top order, and he has made his place in the team. He has made a point that I am ready as an opener and now you have to drop one of the other openers,” Akhtar said.
ALSO READ
Will International Teams Come to Pakistan After PSL Controversy?
Akhtar added that Rizwan stamped his authority on the pitch, and the same thing was required from the former Pakistan captain, Sarfaraz Ahmed. He praised Sarfaraz for his performances but said that he has learned from his mistakes a bit too late.
Akhtar also said that the national selection committee would have to be very careful in their squad selections. He said that the new chief selector, Mohammad Wasim, has a challenging task at hand as there are multiple options available for various positions.
He opined that Wasim would be looking to inject fresh talent into the team, but it will be a tough decision to drop the senior players as they are performing well.