KARACHI: Former Test cricketer Nasim-ul-Ghani has expressed his surprise over axing in-form wicket-keeper/batsman Sarfraz Ahmed from the national team for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting in Hambantota on Saturday.

“After a such a brilliant display of batting in the Test series, the touring team management should have retained Sarfraz for the ODI series,” Nasim said in an interview here on Thursday.

“While [almost the entire] Pakistan batting struggled in the Test matches, it was Sarfraz who stood like a rock and proved his class with a string of good scores, including his first Test century he smashed in Colombo,” he said.

“It was in the team’s interest to retain Sarfraz because he is good also for ODI cricket,” he maintained.

Nasim was of the view Sarfraz with his superb batting in the two Tests had gained a psychological edge over Sri Lankan bowling — a factor he emphasised would have benefited the tourists in the ODIs.

He recalled Sarfraz’s fighting knock helped Pakistan win the Asia Cup last year in Dhaka.

“Personally, I feel that justice was not done by sending Sarfraz back to Pakistan after the Test series,” he regretted.

Nasim said he was impressed to know that Sarfraz became the first wicket-keeper to have scored a Test century after five years.

He also favoured preparing Asad Shafiq for the 2015 World Cup.

“Technically, Asad is a good batsman and deserved to be treated well and his talent should be utilised,” Nasim stressed.

“After the 0-2 loss in the Test series, Pakistan now require a significant effort in batting and bowling to win the ODI series in Sri Lanka,” Nasim, who had the distinction of scoring first Test century for Pakistan at Lord’s that too as a night-watchman, said.

Meanwhile, Nasim felt amazed on Mohammad Irfan’s recall into the ODI team after the lanky paceman recovered from a hip injury.

“Hot and humid playing conditions in Sri Lanka may prove dangerous for Irfan. Moreover, he has not played any competitive cricket for a long time,” Nasim underlined.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2014