Ramiz Raja, who is an ex-cricketer from Pakistan and the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), believes that Babar Azam, the star batter in the team, has not reached his maximum potential yet in Tests. Babar was rested from the previous two Tests against England due to his dismal form. Pakistan managed to win the two matches and clinched the series by 2-1 while it was the first victory for them under the leadership of Shan Masood. In 55 Tests, Babar has managed to score 3997 runs with an average of 43.92. However, he has not made a Test fifty since 2022, and he has also not been in form for most of this year, having been made captain before being sacked after Pakistan’s group stage exit at the T20 World Cup held in June.
When it comes to Babar’s performance in Test matches, Raja believes that given how good Babar plays it is high time the former captain acts like Viv Richards.
“Babar has to do a lot more in Test cricket. He is very good in white-ball cricket – he has over 50 averages in both T20I, ODI… This much ability is there in Babar Azam,” spoke Raza on his YouTube account.
As far as the banter on competition goes, ‘Ab unko apne temperament se batana hai duniya mei ke woh ek Viv Richards hain.’ It means that now he must assert himself with his temperament, in a manner that the world acknowledges him as Viv Richards. Bigger the fight, bigger was the knocks enjoyed by Richards,” he said.
In the meantime, Babar will be cranking up his Test case with performances next month when the white-ball series against Australia takes place. He has been included in the squads for ODIs and T20I for the tour.
This will be the first One-Day International for Pakistan since the World Cup 2023 where they could not reach the semi-finals under the leadership of Babar Azam, coming in fifth position.
Babar Azam the right handed batsman was named the winner of the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year award in both 2021 and 2022, and currently occupies the top ranking position among the ICC ODI batters. His subsequent performance during the tour will determine his Test career prospects, with Pakistan preparing to tour South Africa and also play five Test matches against the West Indies.
