Wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has paid for his nightmare display in Pakistan's second Test loss to Australia by being dropped for Wednesday's third Test.
The 27-year-old dropped four catches as Australia pulled off a remarkable 36-run win in Sydney to clinch the series.
“Unfortunately Kamran had a bad game but he is a very good wicketkeeper-batsman. It can happen to anyone,” said coach Intikhab Alam.
The uncapped Sarfraz Ahmed takes the place of vice-captain Kamran. But Intikhab said being dropped did not necessarily mark the end of Kamran's Test career. “At times you have to take that tough decision and we'll take that decision. And there is no doubt that Sarfraz will play,” he said.
“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.”
Intikhab also laughed off reports that Kamran's brother Umar had gone on strike in protest at his brother being dropped from the side.
“He is OK. He had a sore back,” said Intikhab. “The last few days the guys have been working very, very hard, and so I gave them a day off.”
{{/usCountry}}“He is OK. He had a sore back,” said Intikhab. “The last few days the guys have been working very, very hard, and so I gave them a day off.”
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