Babar Azam Struggles in Tests: Coach Azhar Mahmood Backs Star Batter

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam is currently navigating a prolonged lean period in Test cricket, with critics questioning whether the star batter has hit a slump in form. Despite a promising start to the home season, Babar has struggled to convert starts into big scores, including in the ongoing Test series against South Africa in Rawalpindi.

In the second Test, Babar scored 16 in the first innings, getting caught at silly point off Keshav Maharaj while defending a delivery. His previous outings in the series included scores of 23 and 42, continuing a run of 75 international innings without a century. Over the past three years, Babar has managed just three fifties in Tests, averaging below 30 per year, a noticeable decline from his prolific 2022 season.

Pakistan head coach Azhar Mahmood has downplayed concerns, attributing the slump to pressure and high expectations. “He’s a wonderful player, one of the best in the world. I think once he gets past the hurdle—even a fifty—the big score will come. He’s just one innings away from a big knock,” Mahmood said.

The coach also highlighted Babar’s challenges against left-arm spin, a weakness he has worked on extensively during a two-month pre-season camp. “Against left-arm spinners, he has struggled in the past. We focused on that, but he hasn’t overcome it yet. He’ll be back once he crosses that hurdle,” Mahmood added.

Former Pakistan batter Aamer Sohail suggested that Babar avoid rushing to reach milestones. “When you go through a long lean period, you tend to chase runs quickly and make mistakes. Babar needs to bat like Saud Shakeel—stay at the crease and let runs come naturally,” Sohail advised.

Babar’s golden 2022 season saw him average 69.64 across nine Tests, scoring 1,184 runs, successfully translating white-ball brilliance into red-ball consistency. However, recent performances have raised concerns about whether the 31-year-old has reached a dip in his career trajectory.

Despite the lean patch, Pakistan management remains confident that Babar Azam will return to form, with one substantial innings potentially restoring his rhythm in international cricket.