Babar Azam pays tribute to Sarfaraz, says he will be missed ‘a lot’

• First to three T2OI will be played at Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.
• Skipper revealed strategy against in-form David Warner.
• World No.1 T20I batsman excited to have fresh talent in the side.

Pakistan T20I captain Babar Azam paying tribute to Sarfaraz Ahmed said ‘he will be missed a lot’ in the series against Australia.

The 25-year-old was addressing to media ahead of the first T20I clash against the Aussies at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

"Of course, we would miss him a lot," said Babar — who is gearing up for his first assignment as a captain of the national side. "Sarfaraz’s services for Pakistan are immeasurable. He made the team number one [in the world] and I hope to build on this."

Azam took over the T20I leadership from Sarfaraz in October after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to remove the Karachi born due to his failing level of performances.

Commenting on his own role as a captain and as a player, the world number one batsman in the shortest format of the game said he will focus on the task one at a time.

“When I will be batting, I will focus on scoring runs for the team, but when I will be in the field, I will then step into my captaincy role and try to make the decision that will benefit the team,” the right-handed batsman said.

Tackling in-form Warner

When asked about in-form David Warner, the skipper replied that Men in Green are ready to counter left-hander.

"We've got a plan ready for David Warner," said Babar. "He's one of Australia's really good batsmen. We have our frontline bowlers; we have a strategy ready against him.”

“Obviously, once he gets going, he gets going but we have a strategy in place for all facets," he added.

David Warner smashed two half centuries and a ton in the recently concluded three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka following a horror show with the bat during the Ashes against England.

Azam also brushed aside the notion that Misbah ul Haq — Head coach and the chief selector — will be the non-playing captain of the side.

“I don’t think that is true because I will be the one leading the side in the field,” the Lahore born said. “I captained Pakistan Under-19 side in 12 and have been playing regularly for the national side since 2015. I have learned a lot during this time and will try to use my experience to good effect as captain.”

Babar Azam said that he hopes to put a good show on the Australian turf when the two teams will lock horns for the first of the three T20I series at Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.

The skipper is also excited to have fresh talent in the side. “Having fresh talent like Musa Khan and Mohammad Hasnain alongside seasoned players like Wahab Riaz, Amir and Irfan is a great combination and I am excited to lead this diverse team."

The first T20I is scheduled to start in Sydney on Sunday at 8:30pm PST.