Sarfaraz Ahmed backs Mohammad Rizwan's quality ahead of West Indies Tests

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan's red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has expressed confidence in former captain and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan's fitness and ability to perform in the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies, which is scheduled to begin later this month.

Speaking at a recent media conference, Sarfaraz praised Rizwan's commitment to overcoming early fitness concerns during the training camp and backed the experienced wicketkeeper-batter to make a significant contribution despite the natural fluctuations in form.

Rizwan had encountered fitness issues at the start of the camp but successfully completed his rehabilitation programme, earning praise from the head coach for his dedication and progress.

"He had some fitness issues at the start of the camp, but worked hard on his rehabilitation and showed great improvement. He was outstanding, and Alhamdulillah, he is looking fit now," Sarfaraz said.

Sarfaraz acknowledged that form can vary over the course of a player's career but stressed that Rizwan's experience and consistency made him an invaluable member of the side ahead of a demanding Test series.

"Form can go up and down when you play regularly, but he is a quality player who has been representing Pakistan consistently. It is a challenging series, and Rizwan understands what is required. I hope his performance benefits the team," he added.

When asked to identify Pakistan's first-choice wicketkeeper for the opening Test against the West Indies, Sarfaraz declined to single out any individual, insisting that every player in the 16-member squad had earned selection on merit.

He emphasised that the team management had complete confidence in the entire squad and that the final playing XI would be chosen according to the conditions and the team's requirements.

"We have a 16-player squad, and every player is a first-choice selection. There is no second choice, so we will field the best possible playing XI," he stated.

Sarfaraz also congratulated Babar Azam on his reappointment as Pakistan's Test captain after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named him as Shan Masood's successor for the upcoming Test tours of the West Indies and England.

Expressing confidence in Babar's leadership, Sarfaraz said the experienced batter had already proved his credentials as captain and hoped his return to the role would bring success to Pakistan in the longest format.

"First of all, I would like to congratulate Babar Azam on being reappointed as captain. I believe he has a wealth of experience, having already led Pakistan. We all have great hope that things will turn out well under his leadership," he concluded.