'Big score around corner': Mike Hesson backs Babar Azam
What's the story
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has backed captain Babar Azam, saying that he is in good form and a big score is just around the corner. Hesson's confidence comes despite Babar's poor performance in the recent ODI series against South Africa, where he managed to score only 45 runs at an average of 15 and a strike rate of 78.94. Here are further details.
Coach's assurance
Hesson on Babar's ODI series vs SA
Despite Babar's struggles, Pakistan made history by beating South Africa for the first time in a bilateral ODI series at home. Hesson said that while Babar is understandably frustrated, he believes a big score is just around the corner. ' "He'd be as frustrated as anyone, but I don't mind one or two heading to Rawalpindi in search of big runs," Hesson said after the third and final match.
Praise for resilience
Praise for Babar's Test series performance
Hesson was pleased with Babar's performance in the Test series, even though he didn't score big. "The way he was moving, striking the ball and hitting the gaps - he's really playing nicely at the moment," said Hesson. He also praised Babar for absorbing pressure after Pakistan lost an early wicket while chasing 144 runs against South Africa in the final game, which saw the batter score 27 off 32 balls.
Strategy shift
Hesson's advice to Babar
Hesson advised Babar to focus less on converting starts and more on his batting rhythm and decision-making. He said, "He's in the kind of form where those starts will soon start converting. The more he worries about converting them, the less likely it'll happen.' This strategy shift is aimed at helping Babar get back into his groove and score big runs soon."