Masood Backs Babar, Rests Shaheen: Pakistan Plots Sydney Fightback
Can Babar Azam rediscover his form? Pakistan captain Shan Masood defends out-of-touch batsman & explains Shaheen Afridi’s surprising omission for Sydney Test. Read details & see who replaces him!
Pakistan heads into the final Test against Australia in Sydney facing an uphill battle, down 2-0 in the series. Despite the daunting deficit, captain Shan Masood has thrown his weight behind struggling opener Babar Azam, confident he will bounce back in style.
Azam endured a forgettable 2023 in Test cricket, failing to score a single half-century and relinquishing the captaincy post-World Cup. However, Masood remains resolute in his support, praising Azam’s positive attitude, rigorous training, and impressive fitness. “Babar Azam is our main player,” Masood declared at the pre-match press conference. “We have no concerns over his performance. His approach is positive. He is practicing for hours in the nets and has great fitness. I am looking forward to him scoring big in the Sydney Test.”
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Adding to Pakistan’s anxieties is the surprise omission of pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, sparking much debate within the cricketing community. While Masood previously hailed Afridi as a key player, he revealed the left-arm quick has been rested due to a recent heavy workload. Concerns about Afridi’s diminished pace and potential burnout, along with the absence of other key bowlers, are believed to have factored into the management’s decision.
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“Shaheen Afridi has bowled most overs in world cricket in recent times,” Masood explained. “He gives his 150% in the training sessions as well. He keeps motivating his teammates. He is our main player. We’ll make sure we look after Shaheen Afridi well.” Spinner Sajid Khan will replace Afridi in the lineup, tasked with bolstering Pakistan’s bowling attack in the crucial Test.
With victory seemingly out of reach, Pakistan’s primary focus in Sydney will be salvaging some pride and showcasing their fighting spirit. Whether Babar Azam can rediscover his touch and the rejigged bowling attack can step up against a formidable Australian side remains to be seen. The third Test promises to be a tense and gripping affair, offering one last chance for Pakistan to leave a mark on this challenging tour.