ISLAMABAD – A masterful 157 by Babar Azam in the ongoing three-day matchagainst Australia at Perth has made former Australia great Michael Husseyto believe that the batsman now has what it takes to become one of thegame’s elite multi-format batsmen.
Already a force to be reckoned with facing the white ball, Babar’s Testcareer is on an upwards trajectory after a modest start. He averaged just23.75 across his first 11 Tests, but has averaged 50.66 in his last 10.
He may have been facing a second-string attack, but Michael Neser and JhyeRichardson are far from second-rate bowlers — and Babar handled them withaplomb on Monday. He came to the crease with his side in trouble at 3-60before turning the match on its head alongside Asad Shafiq in an unbeaten276-run partnership.
“It’s been a beautiful innings really. He’s timed the ball magnificentlyall around the ground,” Hussey was quoted as saying by Australian websitewww.foxsports.com.au.
Babar plays gloriously off the front foot, so the fact he crafted the bigscore while facing plenty of short-pitched bowling early spells trouble forAustralia. Furthermore, the venue for the second Test is Adelaide Oval,which is a slower wicket when compared to Perth Stadium’s, and should playsomewhat into Babar’s hands.
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What should also ring alarm bells is the fact the 25-year-old converted hiscentury in style, which is something he’s been criticised of not doingoften enough. He’s scored 11 Test fifties, and has made just one century.
“I honestly believe this guy can be in the same conversation when we starttalking about the best players in the world,” he said. “We start talkingabout (Virat) Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Joe Root gets floatedaround.
“I think if he can start putting together some big hundreds like this inthe Test arena, he’s that good … he’s a brilliant, brilliant player,” headded.
