Sarfraz Ahmed backs Shoaib Malik to fill in for suspended Hafeez in New Zealand tour

Pakistan all-rounder Sarfraz Ahmed has backed veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik to contribute more with the ball and serve as a cover for suspended Mohammad Hafeez in the upcoming limited-overs series, beginning January 6 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. 

In November, Hafeez was suspended from bowling in international cricket for the third time in three years after the International Cricket Council (ICC) found his bowling action to be illegal.

Though Sarfraz admitted that Hafeez's loss before such a tricky series against New Zealand was a major blow for Pakistan, he was hoping for a



fine job from Malik.

"This was a setback for the team but I am confident that the plan PCB has devised for rectification of Hafeez's action will help him clear (the next test). In the meantime, Shoaib Malik will pitch in with the ball during the middle orders. We're very hopeful that he'll do a fine job in Hafeez's absence," said Sarfraz, as media reports suggest.

The skipper also reflected on the inclusion of Harris Sohail and Mohammad Nawaz in the squad, saying the two have a different role to play and hinted there were chances of both the players being picked.