In a significant shake-up Pakistan‘s unsuccessful performance in the first Test against England Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the surprising decision to release three star players – Babar AzamShaheen Afridi and Nasim Shah – from the squad for the remaining two Tests. The PCB cited concerns over the poor form and fitness of the players as the reasons behind the drastic move. While there were growing calls for changes in the team after the Bangladesh series defeat, few expected such a bold move from the PCB, especially in the middle of a high-profile series against England.
Viral video: Emotional Babar Azam consoled by Jason Gillespie, Shan Masood
Amidst this, a heartwarming moment involving Babar Azam recently surfaced on the internet, showing the Pakistani batsman visibly distressed after being dropped from the Test squad. Head coach in viral video Jason Gillespieassistant coach Azhar Mahmud and captain Shan Massoud was seen consoling Babar, who seemed shaken by his decision. Although the content of their conversation is still unclear, it was clear that Babar’s sidelining took an emotional toll on him. Gillespie and Mahmoud were seen offering support and reassurance to the player, suggesting the gravity of the situation for the talented right-hander.
We present the video:
Looks like Jason Glipsie, Azhar Mahmood and Shan Masood are not happy with Babar Azam’s dismissal… pic.twitter.com/9EOekbTrR8
— Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) October 13, 2024
Also READ: Ben Stokes returns as England’s playing XI for the second Test against Pakistan
Babar’s decline in form: Growing concern
Babar’s struggles with the bat in Test cricket have been well documented. After an innings of 161 against England in Karachi in December 2022, Babar’s performance dropped sharply. Over the course of the last nine Tests, he amassed a total of 366 runs at an alarming average of 20.33. His dip in form coincided with his two resignations from the captaincy in the space of a year, putting more pressure on his shoulders. Pakistan’s prolonged slump, which has included six straight Test defeats and an 11-match winless streak on home soil, has drawn more attention to Babar’s role in the team.
Pakistan’s struggle against a dominant England
Pakistan’s first Test against England was a disaster, lost by an innings and 47 runs despite posting over 500 runs in his first innings. With two Tests still remaining in the series, Pakistan face a monumental task to turn their fortunes around. England, full of confidence after their dominant performance, will be a big challenge. The Pakistan team will need to regroup and make important tactical adjustments if they hope to avoid a series of whitewashes. However, given England’s pace and Pakistan’s continued struggles, the road ahead looks incredibly tough for the team.
Also READ: Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi were dropped for Pakistan for the 2nd and 3rd Test against England.
PAK vs ENG (WATCH): Jason Gillespie, Shan Masood console Babar Azam for missing remaining England Tests.
