Babar Azam admitted he was unaware of Pakistan’s decision to release seven players from the Test squad ahead of the third and final match against England at Edgbaston, as the team looks to avoid a series whitewash.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Birmingham, the Pakistan captain said he learned about the sweeping squad changes only after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had made the decision.
“It was news to me as well. I also came to know about it later. Since the PCB made the decision, they can explain it better,” Babar said.
The PCB made significant changes to the squad after England took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series. Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were released following Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s.
England secured a 194-run victory in the second Test, with Pakistan’s batting unit struggling badly. The visitors failed to score 200 in either innings and were ultimately set a daunting 389-run target.
BABAR RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS OVER HIS FORM
The squad overhaul also raised questions about Babar’s own place and recent performances in Test cricket.
Asked about the difference between his white-ball and red-ball form, particularly after the PCB dropped several players over poor performances, Babar pointed to his recent success against the West Indies.
“If we’re talking about performers, I think I was the Player of the Series last time,” he said.
Babar was named Player of the Series in Pakistan’s previous Test series against the West Indies after finishing as the team’s top run-scorer with 193 runs at an average of 96.50. He also played an important role in Pakistan’s victory in the second Test.
His form at Lord’s, however, was far less convincing. Babar managed only 8 runs in the first innings and 6 in the second as Pakistan were bowled out cheaply while chasing 389.
With England already having secured the series, Pakistan will now aim to end the tour on a positive note in Birmingham and prevent England from completing a 3-0 clean sweep.
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