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Babar Azam could dethrone Joe Root from No. 1 Test Ranking: Mahela Jayawardena


image-l6p0ibauBabar Azam has been a prolific run-scorer across formats for Pakistan

In a recent discussion on the ICC's Review show, former Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardena predicted the batter from the current lot who could seriously challenge and dethrone Joe Root from the ICC Test rankings. 

According to the right-hander, Babar Azam has that ability to be no.1 in the longest and traditional format of the game. Adding to his point, he said that his technique is the biggest reason why he deserves to be there at the top.

Joe Root has been in a significant form of late, piling up some effective runs against the Kiwis and Indians with massive hundreds. On the other hand, Azam has been in fine touch, too, scoring some good runs against Sri Lanka, helping his team level the series.


Mahela Jayawardena has his say

"I would say Babar Azam has an opportunity. He's been consistent in all three formats, and it shows in his rankings. 

"It depends on the amount of cricket, who's playing when and how much but the Babar might be the guy. (I) think it is just the technique, the time that he has and the composure that he has out there in the middle. 

"Joe (Root) in Test cricket is the same. He knows what he needs to do, he can the tempo when he wants to, bats to what the conditions offer. Babar has that same quality, so that's why he's been so consistent in all three formats."


Babar Azam has a realistic chance

Whatever Jayawardena could be a reality in the not-too-distant future, considering Babar Azam has been scoring runs in all forms of the game and is also holding the no. 1 position in both the white-ball formats, along with no. 3 in Tests.


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