Pakistan’s troubled England tour has taken another turn, with Babar Azam reportedly down with fever ahead of the third Test. The development comes as the team struggles both on the field and within the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema confirmed Babar’s illness to Geo News and indicated that there was no major cause for concern. The former Pakistan captain is otherwise fit and is expected to recover soon, with the team hoping he will be available for the third Test.
Babar’s health issue comes at a difficult time for the batter as well. After missing the first Test because of injury, he returned for the second match at Lord’s but managed only eight and six in Pakistan’s heavy 194-run defeat to England.
His dismissal in the second innings, when he fell to Jofra Archer’s short delivery, summed up Pakistan’s struggles against England’s pace attack. Babar’s poor run has added to the pressure on a side already facing serious criticism.
The batter had shown signs of returning to form during Pakistan’s recent tour of the West Indies. He scored 193 runs in the two-Test series, including two half-centuries, although Pakistan could only draw the series 1-1.
However, Babar’s wait for a Test century continues. His last hundred in the format came in December 2022, when he scored 161 against New Zealand. Nearly four years later, he is still searching for another three-figure score.
Pakistan’s problems extend far beyond Babar’s form. Following the disappointing results in England, the PCB made sweeping changes to the squad and coaching staff. Seven players were recalled from the tour, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were removed from their positions.
Former captains Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha were among those sent home. Sarfaraz, who had taken charge of the Test team in April, was replaced by Mike Hesson, Pakistan’s white-ball coach.
The decisions have sparked strong criticism from former Pakistan players and coaches, who described the changes as rushed and panic-driven. Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq also offered his resignation from the national selection committee following the shake-up.
Pakistan now enter the third Test under enormous pressure. The team needs improved performances from its senior players, while the PCB is facing questions over its decision-making.
For Babar, the immediate priority is recovery. But if he is fit to play, Pakistan will need much more from their star batter as they attempt to stop the series from slipping further away.
Reader Comments 0