Rizwan all for consultative approach as skipper ahead of Australia ODI

LAHORE: Pakistan's white-ball skipper Mohammad Rizwan has expressed openness for a consultative approach towards captaincy saying that he would welcome players' input.

"For me, everyone is a captain, if they feel they have something good, they can share it [with me]," said Rizwan while speaking during a pre-series media talk at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The skipper's comments come ahead of the first ODI against Australia set to be played at the MCG on Monday (tomorrow).

The wicket-keeper batter will be leading the team after replacing Babar Azam as the team's skipper in the limited overs format following the latter's resignation from the said post last month.

The team will be coached by Jason Gillespie, who assumed the responsibilities as its white-ball coach for the Australia tour after Gary Kirsten's resignation due to differences with the board.

Despite facing a coaching setback, the national side will be looking to capitalise Gillespie's presence and the former Australian cricketer's familiarity with his home conditions.

Responding to a query regarding Babar and Shaheen's inclusion in the playing XI — after the duo were rested in the two Tests against the recently concluded England series — Rizwan praised the two stars along with pacer Naseem Shah saying the trio have given great performances for Pakistan.

"Today Babar, Shaheen are known [to the world] only because of their performances," he remarked while saying that players do face bad times and they were going through the same thing.

"Babar and Shaheen understand this thing, [and] I will support them as much as I can," added Rizwan.

Noting that matters related to the former skippers were a "thing of past for him". Rizwan said that he would do his utmost to make things better for them.

When asked about the absence of Fakhar Zaman and Imam ul Haq, the skipper highlighted the duo's services for the team and acknowledged Fakhar's contribution in scoring runs at a fast rate from the top order.

"Fakhar is a game changer, his runs have made a big difference," he said.

However, the captain contended that their absence has given a chance to young players to test and prove their mettle on the pitch.

Providing insight into the team selection, Rizwan said that the playing XI would be decided with his input, highlighting that it was good to have an inclusive approach with others' input as well.

"I am going to go [forward] via a consultative approach [on matters] and also seek advice from young players as well," he noted.

Conceding that the fans were disappointed due to the team's dismal performance in white-ball cricket in recent times, the captain assured that the national side will not let them down on the Australia tour.

Teams' lineup

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk) Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha (vc) Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.

Australia: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Australia Tour

November 4 — ODI, MCG, Melbourne

November 8 — ODI, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

November 10 — ODI, Perth Stadium, Perth

November 14 — T20I, The Gabba, Brisbane

November 16 — T20I, SCG, Sydney

November 18 — T20I, Bellerive Oval, Hobart