by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann has raised eyebrows over the decision to exclude Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan’s playing XI in the ongoing Perth Test against Australia. Pakistan opted for the experienced Sarfaraz Ahmed as the wicketkeeper-batsman, a move that garnered mixed results. While Sarfaraz managed to secure two catches, he missed a crucial stumping opportunity for David Warner at 141, contributing to Australia’s total score of 346-5 on the first day of the test.
The decision to omit Rizwan, who had an opportunity for a keeping session, has sparked discussions among Pakistan cricket fans. Lehmann publicly questioned the rationale behind Rizwan’s absence in a comment on journalist Bharat Sundaresan’s post on X (formerly Twitter), simply asking, “Why is he not?”
Lehmann’s inquiry adds to the ongoing debate about team selection and strategies, especially considering Rizwan’s recent performances and his significant contributions to the team. As the Perth Test progresses, the spotlight remains on the decision-makers and their choices as Pakistan strives for success against Australia in this crucial match.
