Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir believes Babar Azam should play at number three in ODIs and focus on his strengths. During the tri-series, which also featured South Africa and New Zealand, Pakistan used Babar as the opener. Despite being able to secure starts, the former captain was unable to take advantage of them. In three games, Babar amassed 62 runs, but Pakistan fell to New Zealand in the championship match.
Amir on Babar
Due to Pakistan missing Saim Ayub, Babar and Fakhar Zaman have been promoted to open for the forthcoming Champions Trophy. The star batter gets to construct an innings at the No. 3 spot and get to execute it in phases, Amir stated in an interview with Geo Super TV.
"Babar’s strength is at No. 3, where he knows how to construct an innings. The role of an opener in T20s is different from that in ODIs and Tests. He has to do it in phases. In 10 overs, I have to take a chance. In the next 10 overs, I have to build a partnership. The role is different," Amir said.
Amir stated that since Babar is a big player, he ought to be permitted to play where he excels rather than as an opener.
"Babar, yes, he's a big player. But I think he should have played at number 3. This is his strength. Yes, when you're stuck, you try different things. Maybe I should take runs from here or there," he added.
The team is making sure their finest batter can dominate the powerplay overs for his team, according to Pakistan coach Aaqib Javed, who has encouraged the star batter to succeed at the opener's post despite his failure in the tri-series matches. Babar has amassed 88 runs in 5 games, batting from the opener's position with the tri-series ended. Over the past few years, Babar has performed best at number three, scoring 5416 runs at an average of 60.17 in 104 games.