AUS vs PAK: Hafeez backs senior players, rules out major changes after Perth Test

After Australia secured a dominating 360-run win against Pakistan in the Perth Test, Pakistan team's Director Mohammad Hafeez has backed senior players after the national side was handed a thumping 360-run defeat at the hands of hosts in the Perth Test — the first of the three-match Test series.

Addressing a press briefing in Perth, Hafeez stressed that no decision can be made based on the performance of one match.

"[Inclusion of] senior players doesn't mean that only they have to perform [...] Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam are not the only ones responsible for good performance," he said while defending the inclusion of senior players in the side.

Hafeez's remarks come as the Green Shirts, during their chase of a 450-run target, Pakistan were dismissed for a mere 89 runs, Saud Shakeel top-scored for the dismantled visitors’ side with 24 runs.

The Men in Green's improbable attempt to claim their first Test win in Australia since 1995 was shattered by the Nathon Lyon and the home team's formidable pace attack, swiftly concluding the game within four days.

In pursuit of 450 for victory, the visitors surrendered meekly with Lyon claiming 2-18. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood also secured three wickets each.

Australia declared on the fourth day at 233-5 after Pakistan were dismissed for 271 in their first innings, responding to the hosts' 487.

Acknowledging the failure of the national side's batting unit, he underscored that wicketkeeper batter Sarfraz Ahmed has performed well in recent matches and has been the management's priority for team selection.

"Sarfaraz has given a lot of performances for Pakistan. In the New Zealand series in Pakistan, he was excellent. Yes, five to six months have passed but you give first priority to your best performers from the recent series. Unfortunately, this match didn't go well for Sarfaraz according to our expectations,” Hafeez said while defending Sarfraz's inclusion into the side.

“However, we can't start thinking something totally different after one match. Sarfaraz isn't new [to these conditions as] he has toured Australia, South Africa and England before. He's not new to these conditions and we can say that he'll struggle to adjust. Yes, he didn't perform up to expectations as a batsman and keeper. But this doesn't mean that we should start doubting someone's skill and saying they can only play in certain conditions," he added.

The official also said the management has all the options and that no decision can be made on the basis of [Sarfraz's] performance in one match.

Mohammad Rizwan can perform well for the team, however, the decision for his inclusion in the team will be made after reviewing the conditions and the pitch in Sydney.

Hafeez's remarks come as Sarfraz, 36, struggled to perform with the bat as the right-handed batter could only score 3 and 4 in two innings and became the victim of Mitchell Starc both times.

Schedule of remaining matches

2nd Test — Australia vs Pakistan — December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

3rd Test — Australia vs Pakistan — January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)