Kamran refuses to play Hobart Test as specialist batsman only

Hobart, Jan 11(ANI): Pakistan vice-captain and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has refused to play as a specialist batsman in the third Test against Australia, starting from Thursday in Hobart.

Kamran said that he is confident of a better performance as wicketkeeper in the Hobart Test to compensate his failure in Sydney.

The 27-year-old said that he has been playing for Pakistan for eight years as a wicketkeeper-batsman with pride and his career cannot be ended just because of a bad day. He also highlighted that former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has helped him with his keeping, and he is expecting an improvement, The News reported.

The comment comes after coach Intikhab Alam said that Sarfraz Ahmed will replace Kamran as the wicketkeeper for the Test due to his dismal performance behind the stumps on the tour so far.

"Sarfraz will be playing this Test as our wicketkeeper. We will wait and see if Kamran can play as a specialist batsman," Alam had said.

Kamran's place in the team has come under intense scrutiny after the Sydney Test, where he dropped Australian middle-order batsman Michael Hussey thrice and also wasted a perfect opportunity to run out opener Shane Watson.

Hussey went to score an undefeated 134 runs, while Watson gave Australia a perfect start with his 97 runs and played a crucial role as Pakistan handed Australia a remarkable win that sealed the series. (ANI)