Name:

Sarfraz Nawaz

Date of Birth:

01 Dec 1948

Gender:

Male

Career:

Test: 1969 - 1984
ODI: 1973 - 1984

Teams:

Pakistan (Country)

Preview: Pakistan track record in World Cups

Pioneer of reverse swing

A big, burly Punjabi, Sarfraz formed a potent partnership with Imran Khan, and was one of the pioneers of reverse-swing. His most prolific spell came in the Melbourne Test of 1978-79, but he kept going admirably on some heartless Test pitches in Pakistan. After retirement he became an outspoken MP and cricket commentator (Source: Scyld Berry)

Sarfaraz proved himself a fast-medium bowler of class, a tough customer at most times who possessed an unerring accuracy while bowling. His ability to hit the ball while batting lower down the order made him a useful allrounder and he was the third Pakistani to take 100 Test wickets and score 1000 Test runs. He possessed a good action and the ability to seam the bowl with equal effectiveness both ways.

On March 15, 1979 at Melbourne, he bowled a memorable spell to take nine wickets in an innings. He dismissed seven batsmen while conceding one run from 33 balls. He was a highly controversial player due to his idiosyncrasies and mood swings and bowled a succession of bouncers at other fast bowlers such as Jeff Thompson and Joel Garner. Once, protesting about his pay, he flew to England during a Test series between the two teams in Pakistan. He was also involved in the Hildrich affair during the Australian tour of 1979.

Source: Umair Tariq