by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
He is a force to reckon with in all formats of the game. In Tests, however, there are hardly any players that can match the splendor with which Babar Azam displays his finesse. With a batting style oozing with oomph and the sort of invincibility that can subdue any opponent, the Pakistan top-order batter is already a Picasso of the art of batting.
No one can think otherwise after witnessing him wield his bat like the stroke of an artist. Just like that, the Australian bowling unit could not stop themselves from singing praises of the batter who is galloping on the path to be one of Pakistan’s greatest.
Australian captain, Pat Cummins, while talking about Azam’s unparalleled brilliance with the bat said that his technique has no flaws, which makes him enjoy the company of top batters of the world.
“Babar doesn’t has too many weaknesses. He has pretty tight technique and can score all around the ground. He is going to be hard work. He is kind of in the upper echelon of the batters at the moment around the world, so it will be satisfying if you get him out,” the Kangaroos Skipper said.
His fellow pacer and one of the World’s best in business also shared the same views as his captain. Heaping accolades on Babar he said,
“Babar Azam has got a great batting temperament and has got all the shots. He can built an inning and can also be ultra aggressive. Babar has ability to take the game away from you. He’s one of the best and we hope to keep Babar quiet on this tour,”
This series of compliments from the rivals did not cease here. Josh Hazlewood, one of Australia’s pace trio, also acknowledged the growth which right-hander has shown over the years since his debut. Hazlewood was quoted as saying,
“He’s a superclass player and has been for a long time. Babar burst on the arena as an ODI batter and later changed his game to be strong in Test cricket as well. If you miss, he hurts you and tries to put pressure back on bowlers,”
The Lahore-born batter was phenomenal for drawing the home Test series against Australia last year. Especially his 196-knock against the baggy caps in Karachi stood like an iron wall to deny Australia of a certain victory. Pakistan will face the Pat Cummins-led team on 14th December at Perth to commence the three match series.
