Babar Azam Better Choice than Sarfraz Ahmed as Test Skipper - Shoaib Akhtar

Once regarded as the fastest bowler in the world, Shoaib Akhtar has suggested Pakistan should get rid of Sarfraz Ahmed as the Test skipper and instead appoint Babar Azam as the captain.

Babar should be our Test captain – Akhtar

During a conversation with the media, Shoaib stated Sarfraz Ahmed should lead Pakistan till the 2019 World Cup. However, he feels when it comes to the Test format, Babar Azam should be a good choice.

The former speedster added it is a massive challenge for Sarfraz if he wants to lead in all three formats. If Sarfraz leads, he has to give the results and lead from the front with good individual performances.

“He [Sarfraz] should take some bold decisions and have to perform with the bat,” Akhtar was quoted as saying by the media.

Speaking about Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against Australia, Akhtar feels the selectors have picked a decent enough squad who can turn it around for the hosts. Akhtar feels Pakistan will bounce back in the Test series against Australia in the UAE and would start as favourites. Meanwhile, the two-match Test series will begin on October 7th in Dubai.

Shoaib Akhtar feels Pakistan players should learn from the mistakes

Australia will be under fire in the absence of Steven Smith and David Warner. Moreover, Pakistan had a pretty poor Asia Cup 2018, as they bowed out of the tournament after losing to Bangladesh in their final Super four match. They also lost twice to India in the tournament besides winning against Hong Kong and Afghanistan.

Speaking on their performance in the Asia Cup 2018, Shoaib Akhtar feels it is time to move on, but players should learn from their past mistakes.

“It’s time to move on, but we should learn from our mistakes as upcoming series against Australia and New Zealand are so important,” Akhtar said. He also wants Sarfaraz Ahmed to be allowed to pick playing XI without the whims and fancies of anyone else.