Pakistan captain Shan Masood has thrown his weight behind star batter Babar Azam, expressing confidence that the former skipper will end his nearly four-year drought of Test centuries in the upcoming series against Bangladesh. Babar, who last scored a Test hundred in December 2022 against New Zealand, has faced a prolonged lean patch in the longest format, raising questions about his form and technique.
Masood's Vote of Confidence
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the first Test in Rawalpindi, Masood emphasized that Babar remains a world-class player capable of delivering match-winning performances. "Babar is a quality player. He has been working hard on his game, and we all believe it's just a matter of time before he scores big again," Masood said. The captain added that the team management is fully backing Babar and that there is no pressure on him to perform immediately.
Babar's Test Century Drought
Babar Azam's last Test century came against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022, where he scored 161 runs. Since then, he has managed only two half-centuries in 18 innings, with his average dipping below 30 in the same period. The right-hander's struggles have been a talking point, especially after Pakistan's disappointing performance in the World Test Championship. However, Masood dismissed concerns about Babar's form, stating that the batter has been showing positive signs in practice sessions.
Bangladesh Series Key for Pakistan
The two-match Test series against Bangladesh is crucial for Pakistan as they aim to climb the World Test Championship standings. Pakistan currently sits in fifth place, and a series win is essential to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the final. Masood acknowledged the importance of the series but stressed that the team is focused on playing good cricket rather than just the results.
Team Selection and Strategy
Pakistan has announced a 16-member squad for the first Test, with spinner Abrar Ahmed and pacer Mohammad Ali returning to the side. Masood hinted that the team might go with two spinners given the conditions in Rawalpindi. "We have a balanced squad, and we will finalize the playing XI based on the pitch and weather conditions," he added.
The first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh begins on May 10 in Rawalpindi, with the second Test scheduled in Karachi from May 18. Both teams will be eager to start the series on a winning note, with Bangladesh looking to improve their away record.
