Babar Azam Out Of Pakistan's Test Side? 3 Potential Replacements For Star Batter

Debashis Sarangi

Babar Azam is struggling with horrible form [Source: @grassrootscric/X]Babar Azam is struggling with horrible form [Source: @grassrootscric/X]

Pakistan's premier batter Babar Azam extended his lean patch in home Tests, as he was castled for a solitary run in the first innings of the second match against West Indies in Multan. Coming at number three, Babar could score a solitary run before Gudakesh Motie castled him with a dream delivery. 

This was Babar's third consecutive poor outing in the series. The Lahore-born cricketer managed only thirteen runs across two innings in the opening fixture, falling prey to West Indies' formidable bowling unit. 

Although the Pakistani fans expected a comeback from the batting maestro, he registered another disappointing outing, being castled by Motie for one. Babar has endured a lean patch in Tests since 2023, scoring 559 runs in 24 innings at a horrendous average of 23.29. Thus, considering his prolonged rough patch, Pakistan might consider replacing him with one of the middle-order batters as mentioned below. 

3. Tayyab Tahir

  • Tayyab Tahir has been a consistent performer in red-ball cricket in Pakistan's domestic circuit. He has been in the scheme of things and might earn a Test call-up if the think tank decides to move on from Babar Azam. 
  • In 109 First-Class matches, Tahir has struck 3636 runs, including eight hundreds and 19 fifties. He is a good player of spin and his inclusion can strengthen Pakistan's batting unit. 

2. Azan Awais

  • Left-handed batter Azan Awais enjoyed stellar success in the latest edition of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's premier domestic tournament. 
  • In ten First-Class matches, the youngster has struck 1078 runs, including five tons and three fifties, showcasing his incredible batting attributes. 
  • Considering Azan bats as an opener in the domestic circuit, he can be a proper replacement for Babar at number three, with Saim Ayub opening the batting with Shan Masood. 

1. Sahibzada Farhan

  • Pakistan's promising batter Sahibzada Farhan has been remarkably consistent in the domestic circuit. The right-handed top order batter has amassed 4646 First-Class runs in 105 innings at a superb average of 45.54. 
  • Known for his flamboyant stroke play, Farhan has slammed ten centuries and twenty-seven fifties, exhibiting his dominance on home soil. Thus, considering his ability and experience, we reckon he could be an excellent choice as Babar's replacement in the Test side.