Test skipper Babar Azam has fallen to seventh place in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings of batsmen.
Babar Azam failed tests against New Zealand in December last year due to a thumb fracture. In the first home test, he made his return from injury against South Africa, hitting seven in the first 30 in the second inning.
Related, Babar Azam gets ruled out of the T20 series
Since his debut in 2016, Babar has played 30 Tests. He scored 2082 runs, including five centuries and 15 half-centuries, at an average of 44.29.
Pakistan’s Captain Babar Azam wants his squad to look “fearless” and “aggressive” before the two-match Test series between Pakistan and South Africa.
Speaking to Ramiz Raja, Azam had said that without fear of any repercussions, he wants players to give 100 percent on the pitch.
Read more, Babar Azam to miss the second Test against New Zealand as well
“I want the team to play positive but aggressive and fearless cricket, especially in white-ball cricket if we want to challenge top teams,” Azam said.
“Usually we stop scoring runs if we lose one or two quick wickets and this is where I want the team’s mindset to change — even if you’ve lost two quick wickets, you must continue to add numbers to the scoreboard,” he added.
The captain continued to add, “I was struggling with red-ball cricket in particular, but Mickey supported me and continued to encourage me, which gave me confidence. It also made me understand how vital it is for a player when he’s struggling to be helped by team management.”
“I am going to apply the same. I will support my players,” added he.
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