In the ongoing second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Colombo on Wednesday, Mohammad Rizwan has replaced wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed as a concussion substitute. It was on the very first ball played by Sarfaraz in the 81st over of Pakistan’s first innings off Asitha Fernando on Day 3 when the incident transpired. The Pakistan keeper was hit on his helmet while he was looking to leave the ball.
However, the former Pakistan skipper seemed fine during the first concussion check. But after the 86th over, he looked uncomfortable and he had a long conversation with the physio before walking off. But the good part is Pakistan has a good replacement in Mohammad Rizwan.
In a statement, the PCB said, “Sarfaraz Ahmed has been replaced by Mohammad Rizwan as a concussion substitute in the ongoing second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Singhalese Sports Club after match referee David Boon accepted the Pakistan team management’s request for the substitution.”
“Sarfaraz was hit on his head while ducking a bouncer by Asitha Fernando in the afternoon session on day three. He remains under the observation of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical panel.”
Since Sarfaraz is injured, Rizwan has a golden opportunity to prove himself in the most extended format of the game as he missed out on playing the two-Test series against New Zealand at home.
He had a below-average series against England as the batter only collected 141 runs in three Tests at an average of 23.50 without a single half-century and as a result, the hosts would go on to lose the series 0-3.
Talking about Sarfaraz’s performance, he came out as the top run-getter during home Tests against New Zealand, making 335 runs in two games at an average of 83.75, including one century and three fifties. Though, he did not shine with his willow in the first Test where he could only manage 17 and one run in both innings but then also Pakistan won the Test by four wickets to gain a 1-0 lead in the series.
Speaking about the ongoing Test match, Pakistan were 563/5 after 108.4 overs with Abdullah Shafique smashing 200 and Agha Salman remaining unbeaten on 132 while responding to Sri Lanka's 166.