The Multan Test has turned into a challenging battleground, particularly for bowlers. In their first innings, Pakistan posted an impressive score of 556 runs, but England responded robustly, racking up over 650 runs. This match has seen standout performances, with three Pakistani batsmen scoring centuries and two English players, Joe Root and Harry Brook, achieving remarkable double centuries. However, the match took a turning point when Babar Azam dropped a crucial catch, stirring discontent among Pakistani fans.
Babar’s Costly Miss
During the fourth day of the Multan Test, Babar Azam found himself in a critical fielding position. He attempted to catch a pull shot from Joe Root, who was batting on 186 runs at the time. Positioned at short mid-wicket, Babar failed to secure what many called a ‘dolly catch’—a straightforward opportunity that came directly to him. The disappointment was palpable, particularly for bowler Naseem Shah, who had delivered a remarkable ball only to see his efforts undone by a missed chance. Following this blunder, Joe Root not only converted his innings into a double century but also surpassed the 250-run mark, leaving Babar’s error hanging heavily over the match outcome.
This is how Babar Azam dropped a dolly catch of Joe Root before double hundred #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/8e3i5vYnXY
— Ahmed Jadoon (@AhmedJadoon099) October 10, 2024
Backlash Against Babar
The repercussions of Babar’s drop were immediate, as fans took to social media to express their frustration. The criticism stemmed not only from his fielding mistake but also from concerns over his recent form with the bat, as he has struggled to make significant contributions in key matches. Furthermore, Babar’s recent resignation from the captaincy of the ODI and T20 teams has left many fans questioning his leadership and performance on the field.
Nothing is going in Babar Azam’s favor. His poor form with the bat continues, and now he has dropped an easy catch. pic.twitter.com/FMxygQgPqP
— Vijay Anaparthi (@VijayCricketFan) October 10, 2024
– Zero contributions with bat – Dropping easy catches
Meet Babar Useless Azam pic.twitter.com/wKtNZfEgDZ
— rafay. (@theslipscordons) October 10, 2024
Concerns Over Pitch Conditions
This match has also raised questions about the pitch conditions set by the Pakistan Cricket Board. The surface in Multan has come under scrutiny, as it has favored batters drastically, offering little assistance to bowlers. Similar issues were noted in Pakistan’s last series against England, where flat tracks dominated the play, leading to high-scoring matches devoid of challenge for the bowlers. As a result, the ongoing performance woes for players such as Babar Azam amplify the mounting frustration among fans and analysts alike.
