In the first innings of the Multan Test, Babar Azam led his team in scoring with a tenacious 75.
The Asian camp is concerned after Pakistan’s second straight defeat in their home Test series against England. After losing the series, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam responded angrily to suggestions that the team should just concentrate on Twenty20 cricket in the post-match press conference on Monday.
Ben Stokes’ visiting England side prevailed in a thrilling encounter in Multan, claiming a narrow 26-run victory to clinch a memorable series victory on Pakistani soil. The Asian side, missing some of their star performers with the ball in the series, gave a valiant fight in hopes of leveling the series in Multan.
Pakistani skipper Babar Azam, who has come under scrutiny from a section of fans on social media, was stumped in the post-match presser when a reporter suggested he and Mohammad Rizwan focus on T20s following a disappointing performance in Multan. Babar was baffled by the suggestion and gave a fitting reply to the journalist.
“Babar yeh fans ke taraf se ek sawal hai, unka kehna tha Babar aur Rizwan jo hain, unko apna focus T20 pe karna chahiye, kyuki jaise woh out hote hain puri team down ho jati hain (This question is from the fans, who feel that Babar and Rizwan should focus on T20s. As they get out the rest of the team crumbles),” the journalist quizzed.
“Toh aap keh rahe hain Test chhor de? (So you are saying, we should stop playing Tests?)” a visibly irritated Babar said interrupting the journalist’s question.
“Sir, aisa kuch nahi soch rahe hum (Sir I’m not thinking anything like that),” he further added to the question of focusing on T20 cricket.
Babar Azam was the top scorer for his side in the first innings of the Multan Test, compiling a gritty 75. However, he fell to a pearler from Ollie Robinson in the second innings for a solitary run, leaving his side in a precarious position in the match.
Mohammad Rizwan came out with positive intent during Pakistan’s chase, but his innings were cut short by an unplayable delivery from James Anderson on the score of 30.
