LAHORE: The newly-appointed ODI and T20 vice-captain, wicket-keeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmad on Thursday said that he is really feeling proud after having been bestowed the honour and would try his level best to prove his mettle in the upcoming Bangladesh series and beyond.

The dashing opener said that he is aiming to fulfil all expectations of his fans and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for entrusting him with the responsibility.

Talking to reporters before the start of the ongoing training camp for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, Sarfraz said: “I am thankful to the PCB for reposing trust in me by awarding me the post of vice-captain which is always an honour for a cricketer.” Sarfraz said his foremost target would be to have Pakistan team gelling and for that to happen it is important, besides other factors, that his own performance as a batsman and wicket-keeper stands out.

To a question about the recently retired ODI skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, the young gloveman said: “Misbah has played a crucial role as a batsman as well as captain for Pakistan cricket and he was the backbone of the team which will definitely miss him now that he has retired.”

However, he was quick to add that new players were also talented and capable of filling the shoes of the senior players.

Sarfraz also hailed the induction of young wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan, and stated that his selection was a sign of healthy competition in the squad.

Answering another question, the young opener said though he could bat at any position, the final authority in this regard lies with the team management which, he said, would also decide about his selection in the team.

“No one should be complacent about the Bangladesh series,” he warned and added that the hosts had displayed a superb performance in the recent World Cup and could prove a major threat in their own conditions. “But Pakistan team is a good combination of experience and youth and is ready to take on any challenge,” he said. “The series in Bangladesh will be tough but hopefully, we will be equal to the task.”

Sarfraz further said that the team management was focusing more on raising the bar of fitness for boys and this time around, fans would see a marked change in the players’ performance.

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2015

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