Australia v Pakistan, 3rd Test, Bellerive, January 14-18

Rashid Latif, the former Pakistan wicketkeeper and captain, had recommended in a report to the PCB Kamran be dropped. Widely regarded as the best keeper from Pakistan since Wasim Bari, Latif was briefly a wicketkeeping coach at Pakistan's National Cricket Academy, which produced Sarfraz.

"I gave the board a report in which I recommended Akmal not play international cricket for at least six months, but they didn't listen," Latif told Cricinfo. "He had too many technical faults, had put on too much weight for a wicketkeeper of his size and wearing a helmet to spinners was really hampering him."

Sarfraz, who led Pakistan to an under-19 World Cup win, briefly replaced Kamran in Pakistan's one-day team for the 2008 Asia Cup.

Kamran scored valuable runs on the recent tour to New Zealand, which resulted in reserve keeper Sarfraz being sent home.

"The blunder was to send Sarfraz back," Latif said. "I had recommended that at least try guys like Sarfraz and Salman Ahmed. He wears helmets to spinners which I think they shouldn't because it messes up the eye-line.

embee wrote:The Australian squad: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke (vc), Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Phillip Hughes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Clint McKay, Marcus North, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson

tac wrote:If the bugger could actually catch at slip, I'd say keep him . . . how about YT?

embee wrote:If we just wanted a bloke who's only skill is catching then Mark Waugh could still be in the team

JGK wrote:Yes - Katich still in doubt.

embee wrote:Katich was a late withdrawal from that match because of an elbow injury and, according to team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris, will need to prove hit fitness for Hobart.

"Simon has been having regular treatment on his arm injury since being ruled out of the Sydney Test and will travel to Hobart with the squad where he will continue his rehabilitation," Kountouris said.

"A decision on his availability will be made closer to the start of the Test in Hobart after he's had an opportunity to bat in the nets to test his injury."