Former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar spoke about contemporary national Test captain Babar Azam’s struggles with the bat in the Test series against Zimbabwe in Harare.
After getting out for a first-ball duck in the first Test, Babar was out for just 2 runs in the second Test. Since being appointed Pakistan’s new Test captain, Babar’s six innings have fetched him only 124 runs at an average of 20.66 with just one 50+ score.
Akhtar, who is quite pleased with the way Pakistan have overall dominated their Test series in Zimbabwe, said the dip in Babar’s returns is the only “worrying point”.
The ex paceman gave an interesting view on the matter, saying Babar having to wait long for his turn to bat due to strong performances from the Pakistan top-order could be one reason why the captain hasn’t got going. Akhtar likened Babar’s situation to quarantine within a quarantine.
“Worrying point is again Babar Azam because he is not scoring runs,” “Against this (Zimbabwe) team, he had to wait for his turn because first opener and then Azhar Ali played long innings. Babar has to wear his pads and be ready during that time, which is the best and worst part of Test cricket. You have to sit and watch with concentration. And you can’t talk much as well. So, basically, you are in quarantine within a quarantine.”
Akhtar said on PTV Sports.
For Akhtar, there is little doubt that Babar should’ve added a couple of big hundreds to his kitty against Zimbabwe in this series. He said Babar may not be feeling at his absolute best on this tour, something that can happen to any player over a long career.
“Babar should have scored at least 300-400 runs during this series, Sometimes it happens that you can’t score runs, but I’m sure Babar is trying his best. We expect a lot from him, so we should try to stay positive,”
Akhtar concluded.
