'Babar Azam Is Pakistan's Best Batter' - Shan Masood Backs Ex-Captain After Humiliating Loss
Babar Azam failed in the first Test vs ENG (Source: @BabarAzam_152/X.com)
Pakistan cricket is going through a turmoil currently and the misery seems to be just piling on with each passing game. They lost by an innings and 47 runs in the opening Test against England and naturally there is lot of criticism coming their way. Shan Masood's captaincy is in danger as Pakistan have not won a single game under his leadership and the form of Babar Azam has also come under the scanner.
Shan Masood Explains Pakistan's Struggle With Bat
The former Pakistan skipper scored 30 runs in the first innings of the Test and then fell for just five in the second innings. However, Shan Masood did not shy away from backing Babar Azam and said that there is no doubt that he is the best batter in the side. He added that they want to build a team mentality and stated that it is difficult for batters to adjust to Test cricket as they do not play the format regularly.
"We want to build a squad mentality. We don't play a lot of Test cricket. Especially as a batter, it is not easy. You have to give a lot of opportunities, and there is no doubt that Babar Azam is Pakistan's best batter. You always have to keep in mind that your best batter is just one game away. We will reflect and see the conditions that will on offer. We will try to put the best team on the side."
Babar Azam also failed in both the Test matches against Bangladesh before the England series. He also left white-ball captaincy recently to concentrate on his batting and Pakistan need him to fire, if they want to end their losing run. Shan Masood, on the other hand, scored 151 in the first innings, but he also need a win under his captaincy to shut down criticism and there are some reports that he would be removed as captain after the England series.