Pakistan's former captain and star batsman, Babar Azam, is currently enduring a difficult period in his Test career, extending to 75 international innings across all formats without a century. This extended lean patch includes a recent dismissal for 16 runs in the ongoing Test match against South Africa, adding to growing concerns about his form.
Analyzing his home Test performance
Focusing specifically on his last 15 home Test innings, the statistics reveal a striking dip in performance, with an average of just 18.40 and no half-centuries scored. This contrasts sharply with a period between 2018 and 2020 where he averaged 63 in Test cricket.
Explaining the dip
Several factors might be contributing to Babar Azam's current slump in form. Experts have pointed to potential issues with his technique against the swinging red ball, particularly in seaming conditions. A detailed analysis also reveals an increasing tendency to be dismissed bowled or leg-before-wicket (LBW) in recent innings, accounting for 50% of his dismissals in his last 18 innings, compared to 27% previously. This suggests a vulnerability to deliveries targeting the stumps.
Another contributing factor could be the irregular nature of Pakistan's Test schedule, with significant gaps between series. According to ESPNcricinfo, this makes it difficult for players to maintain the rhythm required for long-form batting, especially as he does not consistently participate in domestic first-class matches during these breaks, with his last appearance in a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final dating back to December 2019.
Potential paths to recovery
Despite his recent struggles, Babar Azam remains a highly talented batsman with a strong track record, including averaging 51.79 at number 4, his most successful Test batting position. A PCB official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged his importance to the team's red-ball unit and emphasized the need for senior players to convert starts into big innings. Cricket pundits have suggested that a mental and technical reboot, coupled with increased participation in domestic red-ball cricket to work on his defensive skills, could be crucial for regaining his touch. While the current period marks a challenging chapter in his Test career, his talent and determination suggest he has the potential to overcome this hurdle and rediscover his prolific form.
