After pocketing the T20I series by 3-0 against Bangladesh, Babar Azam-led Pakistan are enjoying a stellar couple of months. A semi-final exit at the hands of Australia was a bitter pill to swallow, but morale is high once again in Pakistan camp ahead of the two-Test series. With attention now turning to the longer format, Pakistan skipper Azam has mentioned that they can’t depend on him every time and there is no guarantee he will score runs.
“It’s not written that I will be scoring runs every time, others are also here and they showed responsibility in the T20I series. I will look to perform in these Tests,” the skipper told the reporters in pre-match press conference.
“We are constantly playing white ball, and getting into Test mode will be a challenge. There is not much time to prepare after the T20 series, but those coming from Pakistan were playing domestic games. We have quite a settled side now with a lot of experience, we will make an impact in this WTC as our team has been consistent since the start of this year,” he added.
While the right-handed batter was the top run-scorer in UAE during the T20 World Cup with 303 runs to his name from six innings, he has struggled to replicate his performances on Bangladesh soil. The veteran could score only 27 runs in three innings and crossed the double-figure mark only once. When it comes to the longer format Azam hasn’t scored a century in his last 15 innings. However, his last hundred was against their latest opponent Bangladesh in February 2020, scoring 143 at Rawalpindi.
The two-match Test series will begin on Friday, November 26 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, in Chattogram, with eyes firmly cast on the captain of ‘Men in Green’. After the ongoing tour, Pakistan are scheduled to face West Indies at home while Bangladesh welcomes Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series.
