Babar Azam to play Quaid-e-Azam Trophy ahead of SA Tests
What's the story
Star Pakistan batsman Babar Azam will play in the country's domestic first-class tournament, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, ahead of the Test series against South Africa, starting October 12. According to reports, Babar will represent Lahore Whites in this tournament as part of his preparation for the impending red-ball challenge. This comes after he was recently dropped from Pakistan's Asia Cup squad but retained for the South Africa series.
Test preparation
Babar's preparation for Test series against South Africa
The upcoming match on October 6 will be a vital opportunity for Babar to prepare for the Proteas series. He last played a Test match in January this year. He has played only ODI cricket ever since. Other key Test-bound players like Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Ali, and Sajid Khan have also been asked to participate in this domestic tournament before the South Africa series.
Team strategy
Test team struggles; management's response
Pakistan's Test team has struggled in recent times. To address these issues and acclimatize to conditions before the South Africa Tests, the team management has asked players to participate in this domestic tournament. The move is aimed at helping players regain form and confidence ahead of the crucial series against South Africa.
Career
Over 4,000 runs in Test cricket
Despite being their top batter, Babar has been snubbed from Pakistan's T20I setup. He is still a key batter in the Test and ODI formats. In 59 Tests, he has racked up 4,235 runs at an average of 42.77. The tally includes nine tons and 29 half-centuries. Notably, Babar was once Pakistan's captain across formats. However, Pakistan later opted for split captaincy.