Pakistan’s first Test against England in Multan started well for the home team but, once more, Babar Azam left the ground without contributing much. His teammates responded well, but a drought of half-centuries in Test cricket is closing into its second year, causing confusion among fans and analysts about one of Pakistan’s most important batter- Babar Azam.
Babar Azam’s Poor Form A Big Matter Of Concern
At the end of Day 1, Pakistan were on a solid 328 for 4, courtesy centuries from the openers Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood. On a flat pitch that wasn’t helping the English bowlers at all, Pakistan’s top-order capitalized, consistently punishing the visitors bowling attack.
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Once again, Babar would be one such batter who was not exactly on song as he could only muster 30 runs off 71 balls before getting trapped leg before wicket by Chris Woakes. That meant dismissal at a critical moment, which came just nine deliveries before the close, and it was left for Woakes to confirm his accuracy with three reds on the review screen. Babar must have been sad enough to make that long walk back, so totally aware that he had thrown another opportunity away to end his long drought on this favorable batting surface.
Babar Azam 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/ewROyGnl1m
— Early Bird 🕊️ (@5ulphuric_Acid) October 8, 2024
Babar Azam’s Test Half-Century Drought Nears 2 Years
Babar Azam’s last Test fifty came way back in December 2022, which means its nearly two years and he hasn’t really had the desired form in Test cricket. He has not yet reached 50-run mark in 16 innings. His highest score remains 41, against Australia in December 2023.
This ongoing struggle is even more puzzling given his previous success and records. Previously, his average was over 50 but now it has dipped to 44.51 in Tests. The other Pakistani batters did step up, but Babar’s has miserably failed to convert a good start into significant scores especially when Pakistan is looking to strengthen its batting in upcoming series.
In Tests, he has scored 3962 runs in 54 matches, this includes 9 centuries and 26 half-centuries.
