Australian batting maestro Steve Smith has thrown his support behind Babar Azam, hailing the former Pakistan captain as a “quality player” despite his recent struggles with the bat. Speaking about Babar’s form during a press conference, Smith emphasized the class and composure that have defined the star batter’s career, expressing confidence that he will soon return to his best.
“Babar Azam is a quality player. He’s had a really good career so far. He’s got all the time in the world, and whenever he plays, he’s got a solid technique,” Australia’s stand-in captain said.
While Babar has been one of the most consistent performers for Pakistan over the years, his recent outings haven’t produced the kind of runs he is known for, directly correlating with Pakistan’s batting struggles. However, Smith dismissed any concerns, stating that even the best players go through rough patches.
“He hasn’t scored as many runs as he would have liked in the last bit. Don’t worry, he’s a wonderful player,” Steve Smith added, reinforcing his belief in Babar Azam’s ability to bounce back.
The 30-year-old has faced scrutiny in recent months due to his inconsistent performances, particularly in high-pressure games, with his batting style, in particular, irking cricketing pundits. Many have previously advised him to learn from Smith in adding new dimensions to his game to prolong his stay in the international setup. Despite his struggles, endorsements from some of the game’s biggest names should motivate Babar to silence his critics and reclaim his status as one of the premier batters in world cricket.
With crucial fixtures coming up, the team’s hopes will rest heavily on Babar rediscovering his best form, and Smith’s backing serves as a reminder of the undeniable talent that the former ICC Cricketer of the Year possesses.
