‘Fan’ Rizwan happy for healthy rivalry with Sarfaraz

Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan claims that their no added pressure on him due to the presence of the former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who is also the part of 29-member squad fir the England series.

The Men in Green are scheduled to play three Test and same number of Twenty20 Internationals (T20I) starting from August 5.

Talking to reporters via video link, the wicketkeeper cum batsman said that his learning allot form the ex-Pakistan skipper’s experience and there is healthy competition between them.

“I am a fan of Sarfaraz and have a lot of love in my heart for him,” said the 28-year-old. “There is no added pressure on me due to his presence. He's my senior and I am learning a lot from him.”

Sarfaraz was removed from his captaincy after series against Sri Lanka last year due to drop in his batting form. Eventfully he was left out of Australia tour last year and replace by Rizwan in the squad.

Since then, the 33-year-old has been working on his fitness and participated in the domestic competitions.

Rizwan said, "Healthy competition between players eventually benefits the team. Doesn’t matter whoever plays, the goal is to perform and win games for Pakistan. I am confident in my abilities and will perform whenever given an opportunity. Whoever the team management deems fit, will be in the playing XI,"

Rizwan;s place in playing XI in the upcoming Test series in well on track after he notched a ton in the Pakistan intra-squad practice match in Derby.

The wicketkeeper-batsman remained unbeaten on 100 runs off 159 balls, while playing for Babar Azam-led PCB White.

Commenting on his performance during the practice game, Rizwan said, “My confidence has improved after performing in the intra-squad practice matches, which will help me in the upcoming Test series. It is always pleasing to score a century. I am ready to bat at any position in the batting order the team requires. All the batsmen are in good form and are confident ahead of the series."

The 28-year-old was one of the 10 Pakistan cricketers who initially tested positive Covid-19 ahead of the England tour.

"I wasn’t concerned when I tested positive for Covid-19 as I didn’t have any symptoms," he said.