Babar Azam, once regarded as one of the finest batsmen in world cricket, is under intense scrutiny after another disappointing performance in the ongoing first Test between South Africa and Pakistan at Centurion. The Pakistani batter, who was dismissed for just 4 runs in his 19th consecutive Test innings without a half-century, has found himself at the center of heated debates surrounding his future in the national team.
A Long-Distant Fifty: The Last Time Babar Azam Delivered
The last time Babar Azam managed to score a fifty or a hundred in a Test match was back in 2022, during a series against New Zealand in Karachi. In that match, Babar made a stellar 161 runs. Since then, his performances have drastically declined. Despite his immense talent, Azam has been unable to break his lean patch in the longest format of the game. The inability to score substantial runs in Tests, particularly with such a long gap since his last big knock, has led many to question his place in the squad.
The South Africa Test: Another Disappointment
In the ongoing first Test against South Africa, Babar’s troubles continued. Coming in at 15.4 overs after the fall of Shan Masood, Babar’s brief stay lasted only two overs before he was dismissed by a wide delivery from Dane Paterson, caught at third slip by Aiden Markram. It was yet another low for the former captain, who was unable to contribute significantly in a critical match.
Backlash from Fans and Calls for Retirement
Following this latest failure, Babar Azam has found himself in the crosshairs of frustrated fans. On social media, many expressed their disappointment with the 29-year-old’s form, with some even calling for his retirement from Test cricket. “He should retire. Taking the place of youngsters. He’s a burden on the team,” one user posted. Another fan criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection decisions, saying, “On what basis did he get selected again? Typical Pakistan selection committee, they are the biggest joke. They selected him in South African conditions.”
Babar Azam’s ODI and T20I Success: A Contrast to His Test Struggles
Despite his ongoing issues in Test cricket, Babar Azam remains one of the best performers in limited-overs formats. His consistent form in ODIs and T20Is has earned him numerous accolades, and he continues to be a key player for Pakistan in both formats. Babar recently scored consecutive fifties in Pakistan’s 3-0 victory over South Africa in an ODI series, which had raised hopes for his Test revival. However, his current struggles in the longer format have raised questions about his adaptability to different formats, especially given the high expectations placed on him.
Achievements Amidst the Struggles: 4000 Runs in All Formats
In a moment of personal achievement, Babar Azam joined cricketing giants Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in an exclusive club of players who have scored 4000 runs in all three formats of the game. This milestone was achieved during his brief stay at the crease in the first Test against South Africa. Starting the day with 3997 runs, Babar became the first Pakistani batter to reach this impressive feat, having accumulated 5957 runs in ODIs and 4223 runs in T20Is.
Should Babar Azam Retire from Test Cricket?
The question on everyone’s mind is whether Babar Azam should retire from Test cricket. His lean form in the longest format is undeniable, and fans are growing impatient, especially with the emergence of promising young talent in Pakistan cricket. At 29, Babar is still in the prime of his career, but his inability to score big in Tests could prompt a rethink on his role in the team. With younger players waiting for an opportunity, it may be time for Babar to reassess his position in the squad and consider focusing on limited-overs cricket, where he continues to shine.
Conclusion: Babar Azam’s Test Future in Limbo
Babar Azam’s Test career is at a crossroads. While his credentials in limited-overs cricket remain unchallenged, his struggles in Tests are undeniable. Whether he can bounce back from this lean patch or whether his future in the longest format is under threat remains to be seen. For now, the Pakistan team, as well as its fans, will be waiting to see how Babar responds to the mounting pressure and whether he can rediscover his form in the coming matches.
