Babar Azam’s return as Pakistan’s Check captain started on a blended word, with the collection towards the West Indies ending in a 1-1 draw. Pakistan suffered a defeat within the opening Check earlier than bouncing again strongly within the second to degree the collection. Nonetheless, the stress on Babar is predicted to extend throughout Pakistan’s upcoming tour of England, with the staff at the moment sitting eighth within the World Test Championship standings. Pakistan climbed off the underside of the desk after a robust comeback towards the West Indies. Following a defeat within the opening Check, they responded in fashion within the second, securing a convincing eight-wicket victory to degree the collection 1-1. The win gave Pakistan a much-needed increase and helped them transfer up the standings.
Their possibilities of reaching the WTC remaining are slim, however Pakistan can be trying to end the cycle on a stronger word. For Babar, the tour may also be an essential check of his management credentials after his reappointment as red-ball captain following an underwhelming earlier stint. With Pakistan needing constant outcomes, Babar can be below stress to ship each as captain and batter.
Babar might face intense scrutiny throughout Pakistan’s England tour, and former cricketer Rashid Latif believes the PCB ought to defend him from the English media.
“An England tour is a tough project, and the English media typically tries to unnecessarily contain visiting groups in information tales,” Rashid mentioned whereas talking on the Geo Information programme Rating.
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Rashid additionally backed Shan Masood to play an even bigger function away from the sphere throughout Pakistan’s England tour. He believes Masood’s expertise of taking part in in England and coping with the native media might assist take a few of the stress off Babar.
“Babar Azam is an skilled participant, so it could be higher for the PCB administration to maintain him away from the English media and ship former captain Shan Masood to talk to them extra typically,” he added.
“Shan has performed in England and has higher expertise of coping with the English media,” Rashid mentioned.
Pakistan below stress
Pakistan’s final Check win away from house got here towards Sri Lanka in 2023, throughout Babar’s first stint as captain. Shan Masood then took cost for almost three years, however Pakistan struggled on the highway below his management. They suffered a 3-0 collection whitewash in Australia, adopted by 2-0 defeats in South Africa and Bangladesh, leaving their abroad Check report a serious concern.
