3 Reasons Why Babar Azam Should Replace Shan Masood As Pakistan's Test Opener

Anurag Dasgupta∙ Updated: Jan 5 2025, 1:37 PM

Why Babar Azam should open for Pakistan [Source: AP Photos] Why Babar Azam should open for Pakistan [Source: AP Photos]

With no Saim Ayub in the second Test match Vs South Africa, Pakistan were playing with just 10 batters and it disrupted their batting combination. As a result, the team management decided to send it Babar Azam at the top and the decision somewhat paid off.

While other batters failed to deliver under pressure, Babar stayed calm and remained unbeaten at 31 as Pakistan ended Day 2 at 64/3, still trailing by 551 runs. They are still miles behind South Africa's target, but Babar's assurance has given Pakistan another dimension in the opening slot.

Here are 3 main reasons as to why Babar should replace Shan Masood as the next Test opener.

3) Masood's poor technique exposed in ongoing series

Shan Masood doesn't have the technique to survive in testing conditions. The Pakistan captain opened the innings as Abdullah Shafique was not playing, and the new opener has been a disappointment.

In the ongoing Tests, his technique was exposed by Kagiso Rabada as the pacer dismissed him for just 2 runs. In the first Test, he couldn't even cross the 30-run mark in both the innings as Pakistan lost the match and Shan came under a lot of scrutiny. Against moving ball. he tends to struggle and the opposition bowler utilised it to perfection.

2) Babar looked calm and composed during his unbeaten stay on Day 2

Babar Azam was thrown under the water as he was asked to open, but he looked calm and composed and remained unbeaten as Pakistan have something to play for. Despite the team losing 3 quick wickets, the new opener looked rock solid as the Proteas pacers were running riot.

His cool as a cucumber knock gave Pakistan the confidence which they needed to start Day 3 as they stare at a heavy defeat.

1) Unlike Shan, Babar has the quality to survive in SENA countries

Shan Masood's scratchy batting technique might work in Pakistan conditions, where the ball doesn't swing at all. However, in testing conditions, he is yet to deliver for Pakistan.

He failed in Australia and hasn't contributed in the ongoing Test series. Babar, on the other hand has a proven track record in SENA countries and has the batting technique to start a new venture at the top of the order, as the opening position demands a player who is technically solid.