Mohammad Amir has criticised Pakistan team management for promoting Babar Azam as an opener in the ODIs, where his strength is to construct innings at No 3. In the recently-concluded tri-series Babar’s performance as an opener has been underwhelming. The right-handed batter has managed only 10, 23 and 29.
“As I’ve said before, if I don’t get to bowl with the new ball, I can’t fully utilize my strength,” Amir was quoted by A Sports.
“Similarly, Babar’s strength is at No. 3, where he knows how to construct an innings. The role of an opener in ODIs and Tests is completely different from T20s.
“An opener has to adapt in phases. In the first 10 overs, you need to take chances. The next 10 overs are about building a partnership,” he said.
“Babar is a top player, no doubt, but I believe No. 3 is where he belongs. When you’re struggling, you try different things, but sometimes it’s best to stick to what works.”
In the final of the tr-series, Babar Azam became the joint-fastest batter to reach 6,000 ODI runs with Hashim Amla of South Africa, but perished soon after the achievement in his 123rd innings.
Babar looked to shape up well for a big innings and struck cover-driven boundaries until he offered a tame return catch to Nathan Smith on 29. Babar threw down his bat in dismay as Pakistan’s most accomplished white-ball batter totalled 62 runs in three innings.
Mohammad Rizwan has backed Babar Azam to come good with his form.
“Babar has scored so many runs for Pakistan that we expect him to score a hundred in each game,” Rizwan said. “If we don’t judge him by those extreme expectations, you’ll find he’s still chipping in and contributing valuably for us.
Defending champions and hosts Pakistan will start their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand on February 19, followed by the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.
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