Babar Azam to be dropped from Pakistan Test team? Kamran Akmal issues big warning

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has raised concerns over the batting technique of Babar Azam. According to Akmal, Babar has been shaky whenever he has come out to bat in the recent series against Bangladesh.

It is to be noted that Babar Azam is the cousin brother of Kamran Akmal. But the former Pakistan wicketkeeper was quick to warn Babar of the consequences if he keeps on failing consistently.

Babar Azam had a torrid time with the bat against Bangladesh where he scored just 64 runs in four Test innings at an average of just 16. Pakistan suffered badly due to Babar's poor form as the rest of the batting line-up failed to up a big score consistently.

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Kamran Akmal raises concerns over Babar Azam's technique

During an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Kamran Akmal stated that every player goes through a tough time and it's the same case with Babar Azam as well. He further noticed that Babar has been unsure of his off-stump during the Bangladesh series and also highlighted some technical flaws in his batting.

"I still believe Babar is Pakistan's number one batter. Every player goes through a rough patch. But even then, you have to play according to the situation, and you have to survive the tough times," Akmal said.

"What I noticed in this Test series is that early on, when he comes to bat, he plays so shakily that he seems unsure of where his off-stump is, and his leg stump gets exposed from behind. Balls that should be played towards cover are being played straight, and the bat doesn't go towards the ball's direction," he added.

Pressure is increasing on Babar Azam - Kamran Akmal

The former Pakistan opener further said that the pressure is increasing on the star Pakistan batter and he needs to fix small technical things. Kamran Akmal further warned Babar of losing his place in the Test team if he does not come back into form soon.

"There's a difference in his technique because his performance isn't up to the mark, and the pressure is increasing. He needs to fix these small things because this isn't Babar's standard. Babar made his name through his performance. Now, Babar needs to perform, or else he might lose his place in the Test team," he said.

Babar Azam looked out of form against Bangladesh and was constantly in trouble by some disciplined bowling attack from the visitors. He was dismissed twice by fast bowler Nahid Rana in the series which exposed his problems against pace.

Pakistan will hope for their star 29-year-old star batter to be back amongst the runs soon. Pakistan will next play England in a three-match Test series at home. It will be a stern test for the Men in Green who were just whitewashed 2-0 by Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh were brilliant throughout the series as they registered a historic whitewash over Pakistan. With this win, they have moved above England and South Africa to the fourth spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings. Pakistan, though, have slipped to the eighth spot in the WTC rankings.