Former Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has recommended batting maestro Babar Azam to consider taking a break, similar to the approach taken by India's run-machine Virat Kohli during his form slump. Babar has been facing difficulties in the current three-match Test series against Australia.
Pakistan are gearing up for the third and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3 while Australia lead the series 2-0 having won the first two matches. The upcoming match will also mark the farewell Test for veteran Australian opener David Warner.
Meanwhile, right ahead of the third Test, in a conversation with Cricket Pakistan, Mushtaq referred to Kohli's strategy of taking breaks when not in form and suggested Babar should consider doing the same given his current struggles. Babar has accumulated a total of 77 runs across four innings in the ongoing series against Australia.
”Across the world, we provide coaching, and when we realize a player is mentally disturbed, we give them a break of 2 or 3 matches. When Virat Kohli was out of form, he took a break, and since then, he hasn't faced the same struggles. The management should have taken ownership and advised Babar to take a rest,” said Mushtaq.
Mushtaq further mentioned that Babar encountered difficulties during the Asia Cup and the World Cup. He expressed that, had he been a part of the management team, he would have recommended giving Babar a period of rest. Presently, Babar's average in the ongoing Test series is only 20, with his highest score being 41 in the Perth Test.
“Babar has given outstanding performances, and he is our hero. He is considered one of the top players in the world. However, he faced challenges such as losing the Asia Cup, the World Cup, and subsequently losing the captaincy amid rumors and difficulties. Often in our culture, we fail to realize the need for breaks. If I were there, I would have suggested giving Babar some rest,” Mushtaq concluded.
Pakistan will look to secure a victory in the final Test and disrupt Warner's farewell celebration as he concludes his illustrious Test career at his home ground.
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