Babar Azam Dropped Amid Pakistan’s Shake-Up for Second Test Against England
In a bold and controversial move, the selection committee of Pakistan’s cricket team has dropped former Captain Babar Azam from the squad ahead of the second Test against England, set to begin on October 15 in Multan. This decision follows Pakistan’s weak performance in the first Test, where they suffered a heavy defeat by an innings and 47 runs. Babar Azam’s exclusion, along with critical bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, signals a strategic and bold overhaul by the selection committee as they hope to salvage the remainder of the series.
A Struggling Star
Babar Azam is considered one of Pakistan’s most dependable batters, but the former captain has faced significant challenges in Test cricket over the past year. As per records, the last Test century he scored came in December 2022, and he has since struggled to find form, managing just 366 runs at an average of 20.33 in his last 18 innings. This poor performance has reduced Pakistan’s chances of winning even in the Home series. His highest score during this stretch was 41, and he failed to make an impact in the first Test against England, scoring just 30 and 5 in two innings.
This prolonged slump in form has driven the selectors’ decision to rest Babar, as the team aims to bounce back in a must-win situation. According to selector Aqib Javed, the goal is to allow these players to regain fitness and confidence ahead of future challenges, suggesting the door remains open for their return.
The Impact of the Decision
The decision to exclude Babar from the test side has sparked debate. Former England captain Nasser Hussain commented that while Babar is undoubtedly out of form, batters of his calibre often rediscover their touch under pressure. Given the recent struggles of Babar, Hussain also suggested England would be OK facing a Pakistan side with its star batter. However, he emphasized that Pakistan needs to elevate its overall performance if it wishes to outperform its competitors, as it appeared incapable of bowling England out in the first Test, where Harry Brook scored a triple-century, being the fifth-highest score in England’s Test history.
On the other hand, Babar’s absence raises concerns about Pakistan’s batting depth. Despite his poor form, he remains one of the most experienced players in the current squad, and his leadership on the field could have been valuable in such a critical series. Critics argue that dropping him might place additional pressure on younger players.
Looking Ahead
As Pakistan prepares for the second Test in Multan, the new-look squad will be under immense scrutiny to salvage a win. The selectors brought in fresh faces and recalled veterans to reverse the team’s fortunes, but England remains strong. With England holding a 1-0 lead, Pakistan must perform competently to stay alive in the series. All eyes are now on the new team, as spectators and pundits are eager to see how the team copes without its key players.
This drastic shift reflects the urgency within Pakistan’s cricket board to find a balance between form and experience, with the possibility that players like Babar will return stronger for future competitions.
About The Author
