Former Pakistani spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has recommended that star batter Babar Azam take a break amidst his recent poor form, drawing parallels with Indian batter Virat Kohli.
The 29-year-old has faced difficulties maintaining form during Pakistan’s current three-match Test series against Australia.
Pakistan is poised to confront Australia in the conclusive Test of their series at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3. Australia has already secured victory in the initial two matches. Additionally, the Sydney game marks the final Test match for Australia's opening batter, David Warner.
Speaking to a local sports channel, Mushtaq remarked that Kohli takes a break when he's out of form, proposing that Babar should do the same given his recent struggle. Babar has managed to score only 77 runs across four innings in the current series against Australia.
”Across the world, we provide coaching, and when we realize a player is mentally disturbed, we give them a break of 2 or 3 matches. When Virat Kohli was out of form, he took a break, and since then, he hasn't faced the same struggles. The management should have taken ownership and advised Babar to take a rest,” said Mushtaq.
He continued by stating that Babar faced challenges in the Asia Cup and the World Cup, emphasising that he would have recommended giving Babar some rest if he were part of the management. Babar's average in the ongoing Test series is just 20, with a top score of 41 in the Perth Test.
“Babar has given outstanding performances, and he is our hero. He is considered one of the top players in the world. However, he faced challenges such as losing the Asia Cup, the World Cup, and subsequently losing the captaincy amid rumours and difficulties. Often in our culture, we fail to realise the need for breaks. If I were there, I would have suggested giving Babar some rest,” Mushtaq added.
Pakistan has made two changes for the third and final Test of the series against Australia, commencing tomorrow at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Saim Ayub will debut, replacing opener Imam-ul-Haq in the lineup. Meanwhile, spinner Sajid Khan has been included in place of Shaheen.
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (capt), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Hasan Ali, Sajid Khan, Mir Hamza, Aamer Jamal.
- Babar Azam
- Virat Kohli