Pakistan’s Test skipper Babar Azamlinkhasdropped down to the seventh rank in ICC’s Test rankings for batsmen.

Due to a thumb fracture, Babar had missed Tests against New Zealand inDecember last year. Making his comeback from injury against South Africa inthe first home Test, he scored seven in the first 30 in the second inning.

Babar has played 30 Tests since his debut in 2016. He has scored 2082 runsat an average of 44.29 including five centuries and 15 half-centuries.

Earlier, before the two-match Test serieslinkPakistan and South Africa, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam wants his team toappear “fearless” and “aggressive”.

Speaking to Ramiz Raja, Azam had said that he wants players to give 100% onthe ground without fear of any consequences.

“I want the team to play positive but aggressive and fearless cricket,especially in white-ball cricket if we want to challenge top teams,” hesaid.

“Usually we stop scoring runs if we lose one or two quick wickets and thisis where I want the team’s mindset to change — even if you’ve lost twoquick wickets, you must continue to add numbers to the scoreboard,” headded.

The captain went on to add, “I was struggling, especially with red-ballcricket but Mickey supported me and kept backing me, which gave meconfidence. It also made me realise how important it is for a player to bebacked by team management when he’s struggling.”

“I am going to apply the same. I will support my players,” he said.