The ongoing struggles of Pakistan cricket’s star batsman, Babar Azam, have become a significant talking point among fans and analysts alike. Once hailed as the backbone of the Pakistani batting lineup, Babar’s recent performances have raised questions about his impact on the team. After a stint of disappointing scores, it appears that he may be becoming a liability rather than an asset to the squad.
Babar’s Continued Struggles
In the recent Test match against England in Multan, Babar Azam faced yet another disheartening performance. Following a dismal showing in the first innings, where he managed to score only 30 runs, Babar returned to the crease in the second innings with an opportunity to redeem himself. Unfortunately, his struggles persisted as he was dismissed for a mere 5 runs, marking his 18th consecutive Test innings without a half-century. This string of low scores has critics questioning whether Babar is capable of leading the team effectively, especially after having been stripped of the captaincy for the second time within a decade.
A Major Setback Against England
On October 10, the fourth day of the match, England declared its mammoth first-innings score at 823 runs, establishing a commanding lead of 267 runs. Pakistan’s batsmen faced a severe collapse in their second innings, particularly when set against a formidable total. Babar’s inability to deliver during a crucial moment meant that the team was left in yet another precarious situation.
Key players such as Abdullah Shafiq, who had scored a century in the first innings, were also unable to replicate their success. Babar’s entry into the game had the potential to change the tide, especially considering the flat pitch conditions that normally favor a batsman’s score. However, his form has been troubling, and his dismissal only exacerbated the already mounting pressure on the team.
Pivotal Missed Opportunities
Babar’s poor performance wasn’t limited to the batting crease; his slip in fielding also played a crucial role in the match. During the first session, he dropped an easliy catch off Joe Root’s bat when the latter was on 186 runs. This mistake allowed Root to continue his innings and ultimately secure a fantastic double century, finishing at 262 runs. Meanwhile, Harry Brook also capitalized on the opportunity to notch a double century, which soon turned into a triple century, showcasing the consequences of missed chances in cricket.
Pakistan’s Test Drought
The situation for Pakistan cricket is becoming dire, as they have not secured a single Test win at home in over three and a half years. In the span of 10 home Test matches, they have faced 6 defeats and experienced 4 draws. The series of losses has put immense pressure on the team and raised serious concerns about their competitiveness in international cricket.
Given Babar Azam’s pivotal role in the lineup, his current form and leadership capabilities are under the microscope. As the team grapples with ongoing complications, the question remains whether Babar can turn his performance around or if the time has come for fresh leadership to emerge within the squad.
