I thank Sarfraz for the way he led Pakistani team, says Azhar

LAHORE (92 News) – Newly appointed Pakistan Test cricket team skipper Azhar Ali on Friday has said that he wants to thank former capitan Sarfraz Ahmed, the way he led team is commendable. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Azhar Ali said that it is an honour for him to lead the national Test team. He said that Sarfraz Ahmed will have his complete support, adding that the time teaches a lot. The national team skipper expressed his commitment that he is completely ready to perform better. “Time always teaches a human and I have played first class cricket for a long time,” he added. He said that he will focus on Test cricket more than other format and will learn from senior players. He also said that the next four or five years are very important for him, adding that becoming captain of the Test team is an honour for him and Test championship is a challenge for him. “Our top most priority is to improve our Test ranking,” Azhar said and added winning matches are important for both team and captain. Earlier,  Azhar Ali has been appointed national cricket team captain for Pakistan’s World Test Championship, while Babar Azam has been named captain for T20I side. In his press release by PCB, Azhar Ali has been appointed national cricket team captain for Pakistan’s World Test Championship matches in the 2019-20 season, while Babar Azam has been named captain of the No.1 ranked T20I side until next year’s ICC T20 World Cup Australia 2020, which is now exactly one year away. The appointments were confirmed after Sarfaraz Ahmed was left out of both formats due to the drop in his overall form during the past few series. Seventh-ranked Pakistan will play fifth-ranked Australia in two Tests in Brisbane (21-25 November) and Adelaide (29 November-3 December (d/n)) before hosting Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for two Tests apiece. Pakistan are also scheduled to play three T20Is each against Australia (3, 5 and 8 November) and Bangladesh before the curtain falls on their international domestic season in early February 2020.