Kamran Akmal has been dropped from the Pakistan team after a terrible display behind the stumps in Sydney, and Sarfraz Ahmed will replace him in the side for the final Test against Australia, which begins tomorrow in Hobart. Kamran, the Pakistan vice-captain, dropped four catches in the second Test, which helped Australia fight back from 206 runs behind after the first innings to claim a 36-run win and take a 2-0 series lead.
Speculation was rife Kamran would play despite Sarfraz being flown in as back-up, but the coach Intikhab Alam confirmed the reserve keeper will make his debut. "Unfortunately Kamran had a bad game, but he is a very good wicketkeeper-batsman," said Alam. "It can happen to anyone, but the fact of the matter is Sarfraz has been sent here and we will give him a chance. I have already spoken to Kamran and I think he understands. These things happen in cricket. I'm sure he's good enough and he'll come back."
Kamran will, however, retain his place on the four-man selection panel for the match in Tasmania and Alam saw nothing wrong with that. "It has happened in the past," he said. "We were in Sri Lanka and the [then] vice-captain was Misbah-ul-Haq. He wasn't having a good time and we decided in the meeting to drop him. "At times you have to take that tough decision and we'll take that decision. And there is no doubt that Sarfraz will play. We have a three-member committee, but this time the manager will also sit in. We're sure the right decision will be taken and he will have a vote as well."
Kamran's younger brother Umar missed a scheduled training session on Monday, leading to rumours that he had refused to take part in protest at Kamran's treatment. The young batsman, however, did train yesterday and his coach laughed off rumours about a strike. "Umar is OK. He had a sore back," said Alam. "He had X-rays done and the doctors said there is nothing wrong with him. He has had one painkilling injection and I brought him here to make sure he is fit and raring to go. [The stories of his protest are] all rubbish. At times I laugh when I read such stories."
Australia also make a change in their squad, bringing back Simon Katich, who has recovered from an arm injury. Philip Hughes, who filled in for the opener in Sydney, has been released to play for his domestic team. Katich's return should bolster an already buoyant Australian team, who are looking for a series whitewash following their remarkable win in Sydney. Australia have won the last 11 Tests between the sides and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin said the hosts are determined to make it 12 in a row. "We wanted to dominate the series and come away three-nil and we've got the opportunity to do that here in Tasmania," said Haddin. @Email:arizvi@thenational.ae