Concerns over English media scrutiny for Babar Azam
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should protect Babar Azam from the English media during the team’s upcoming Test tour of England. Latif believes that Babar could face intense scrutiny from the English media, and has proposed that former captain Shan Masood handle media interactions instead.
Latif highlighted that an England tour is a challenging assignment, and the English media often attempts to involve visiting teams in news stories unnecessarily. He emphasized that while Babar Azam is an experienced player, it would be more beneficial for the PCB management to keep him away from the English media. Instead, he recommended sending Shan Masood to speak to reporters more frequently.
Masood’s experience playing in England and his familiarity with the local media are cited as reasons for this suggestion. Latif stated that Shan has played in England and possesses better experience in dealing with the English media, which could help alleviate some of the pressure on Babar during the tour.
Pakistan’s recent Test performance and Babar’s leadership
Babar Azam’s return as Pakistan’s Test captain began with a mixed outcome, as the series against the West Indies concluded in a 1-1 draw. Pakistan experienced a defeat in the opening Test but then made a strong comeback in the second to level the series. This performance helped Pakistan move up from the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.
In the first Test against the West Indies at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Babar remained unbeaten with 58 runs in Pakistan’s 90-run defeat. Pakistan was bowled out for 120 while chasing 211, with Babar being the only batsman to show significant resistance. His individual contribution stood out amidst the team’s batting collapse.
Babar then responded strongly in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. He scored 88 runs from 147 balls in Pakistan’s first innings, contributing to his side’s total of 387 after the West Indies had posted 344. In the second innings, Babar struck an unbeaten 24 runs from 30 balls as Pakistan successfully chased down 75 runs to secure an eight-wicket victory and level the series 1-1.
This victory also marked Pakistan’s first overseas Test win since Babar’s return as captain, ending an eight-match losing streak in away Tests. The win provided a much-needed boost for the team and helped them improve their position in the World Test Championship standings. Despite this, their chances of reaching the WTC final are considered slim, but Pakistan aims to conclude the cycle on a stronger note.
Upcoming England tour and leadership test
The pressure on Babar is anticipated to intensify during Pakistan’s upcoming tour of England. The tour will serve as an important test of his leadership capabilities following his reappointment as red-ball captain, especially after a previous stint that was described as underwhelming. With Pakistan needing consistent results, Babar will be under pressure to perform both as captain and as a batsman.
Pakistan’s last Test victory away from home occurred against Sri Lanka in 2023, during Babar’s initial tenure as captain. Following this, Shan Masood took over the captaincy for nearly three years, during which Pakistan faced difficulties in overseas Tests. Under Masood’s leadership, the team suffered a 3-0 series whitewash in Australia, followed by 2-0 defeats in South Africa and Bangladesh. These results have raised significant concerns about Pakistan’s overseas Test record.
The upcoming three-match Test tour of England is scheduled to begin with the first Test at Headingley in Leeds on August 19. The second Test will be played at Lord’s from August 27, and the series will conclude at Edgbaston from September 9.
Source: hindustantimes.com
