Fri Nov 08 09:05:27 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Captain Supports Babar Azam Amidst Form Slump
**Islamabad, Pakistan (Nov 8, 2024):** Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, has come out in support of star batsman Babar Azam, who is facing criticism due to a recent slump in form. Azam was dropped from the Pakistan team for the last two test matches against England and is expected to sit out the upcoming Test series against Australia.
Masood, speaking on the BBC Stumped radio show, said, “I think he’s one of the best batsmen in the world. I’m not one to say he doesn’t have a future. He has all the qualities to become one of the greatest test batsmen ever.” He added that Azam has consistently been at the top of the rankings and that sometimes players need a break.
Masood believes that the break will help Azam regain his form, stating, “I think this break will do him a lot of good and he will come back as a stronger player. Sometimes, it’s good to be out and rest. He has played a lot of cricket and has been through a lot, and he will always be one of the main batsmen for Pakistan.”
The upcoming ODI series against Australia will be crucial for Azam’s return to the national side. He last scored an ODI century against New Zealand in May 2023. His performance in the series will decide his position in the team. Azam is also part of the Pakistan team for the T20 series against Australia, although concerns remain about his poor form in Test matches carrying over into other formats.
Pakistan’s first ODI match against Australia begins on November 4th.
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