• Home
  • Cricket Analysis
  • Last Chance For Babar Azam 3 Reasons Why Star Batter Needs To Perform In Multan Test

Last Chance For Babar Azam? 3 Reasons Why Star Batter Needs To Perform In Multan Test



Last chance for Babar in Tests? [Source: @Rnawaz31888/X.Com]
Last chance for Babar in Tests? [Source: @Rnawaz31888/X.Com]

Story continues below ADVERTISEMENT

The second Test match between Pakistan and West Indies is set to commence on Saturday at the Multan Cricket Stadium and all eyes will be on the hosts as they aim to seal the series with yet another win at the same venue. Pakistan currently have a 1-0 lead and will be the firm favourites heading into this encounter.

Expect the pitch to be yet another graveyard for the batters with spinners dominating the proceedings. However, the batters will still be accountable for their poor performances and one of the players who will come under scrutiny is Babar Azam.

The star batter was a breath of fresh air in the Test series Vs South Africa, but has been poor in the home series since December 2022. In the first Test Vs West Indies, he failed in both the innings and time could be ticking as Babar doesn't have much opportunities left to prove his worth. Here's why the upcoming Test match could be his last chance to stamp his authority.

3) Unlike India, Pakistan doesn't give too many opportunities

In Indian cricket, if you are a big player, the board will back you for years. Virat Kohli is a prime example of it as the batter was not upto his standards in Tests since 2020, but the selectors backed him to deliver the goods.

In Pakistan cricket, of you don't perform, you will be axed. Babar, has already tasted this as after the failure Vs England in the Rawalpindi Test, he was dropped from the entire series. Hence, another failure could cost him a place in the side.

2) Others are waiting in the wing

Pakistan have a lot of depth in their batting talent and other quality players are waiting in the wings to get a chance in the Test team. The likes of Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Huraira are eager to cement their permanent place in the Test side.

Huraira made his Test debut as an opener in the last game, and if Saim Ayub gets fit for the next series, Shan Masood can come in the middle-order in place of Babar. Plethora of talent is waiting and hence it is important that Babar capitalises on this opportunity.

1) Silence the critics

December 2022 was the last time Babar Azam scored a century in Test format. Since then, he hasn't tasted success in this format and former cricketers are calling for his axing from the team. The second Test will be played in a tricky batting situation and this is a great chance for him to silence his critics and score something big on a difficult surface.