Experienced Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali could replace Sarfaraz Ahmed as the nation's Test captain with young wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan serving as his deputy. 

As feared, Pakistan's new chief selector and head coach Misbah Ul Haq isn't reportedly of the belief that Sarfaraz should continue in the longest format of the game and has already communicated the plan with Pakistan Cricket Board CEO Wasim Khan. 

Read Also: Speculations of rift between Pakistan coach Misbah Ul Haq and skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed 

However, it is learnt, the PCB might not take that big a chance immediately with next month's tough tour of Australia looming large despite Misbah wanting Sarfaraz's removal as captain in wake of his consistent failures in the last couple of seasons. 

Sarfaraz might also not be able to keep the leadership mettle in the ODI and T20I formats as the management is reportedly considering veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez to curiously take over at the age of 39. 

Under Sarfaraz, Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, finished fifth at the 2019 World Cup in UK and is currently No.1 in the ICC T20I rankings. 

Pakistan is expected to pick quite a few youngsters for the tour down under and see how they shape up with the T20 World Cup in the same country less than a year away from now. 

The first T20I will be played in Sydney on November 3 followed by the second and third on November 5 and 8 in Canberra and Perth, respectively 

The two Tests are scheduled in Brisbane and Adelaide, starting November 21. 

(Inputs from IANS)