I used to get a lot of boost after seeing him: Babar Azam adverts to his admiration for AB de Villiers

Babar Azam celebrated his 28th birthday on October 15, 2022 (Source: Twitter/@cricketcomau)

On the occasion of his 28th birthday, Babar Azam recalled the journey that led him to become one of the best batters of Pakistan.

Once a ball-boy, Babar, narrated the story of him being in awe of former South Africa batter AB de Villiers. 

I used to learn from him, what he was doing: Babar

Babar, who closely observed de Villiers from the boundary during South Africa's tour of Pakistan in 2007, remembered the time when he used to inculcate the know-how of batting and fielding.

"During that time, I was very fond of AB de Villiers. I was overwhelmed after seeing him. I used to learn from him, what he was doing, how he was batting and fielding. I used to stay near the South African team to notice what De Villiers was doing. I used to get a lot of boost after seeing him," Babar said as quoted in a video shared by Pakistan Cricket on Twitter.

The Pakistan skipper also recollected how Inzamam-ul-Haq was so close of going beyond Javed Miandad's Test runs tally in his farewell match, but got stumped.

"I used to give knocking to our players as a ball boy, collect balls from the boundary. During that time, Inzamam played his last match for Pakistan. He needed two runs (3 runs) to break Javed bhai's record. But unfortunately, he got stumped. I noticed Inzamam carefully walking to the dressing room. I also remember Inzamam venting out inside the dressing room," he added.

Meanwhile, after winning the tri-series involving New Zealand and Bangladesh, the Pakistan team will be seen in action against India on October 23 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

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