PAK vs AUS: "Babar Azam Needs To Be Seated And Encouraged Because..." - Ramiz Raja

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja offered advice to Babar Azam following the team’s loss against Australia in the first Test. Ramiz Raja urged players to rise to the occasion and overcome the hurdles presented by the formidable Australian side.

Babar Azam failed to impress with the bat in both innings during Pakistan’s 360-run defeat against Australia in Perth. The right-handed batter scored 21 runs and 24 runs in the two innings, respectively. He recently stepped down from the captaincy across formats.

Shan Masood Needs Hard Work As A Captain – Ramiz Raja

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Ramiz Raja emphasized the need for Shan Masood to prove himself as a captain through both leadership skills and batting performances. Raja stressed the importance of providing support and encouragement for Babar Azam.

“Shan Masood needs hard work as a captain, as a leader, because this is going to be tough series for him. Until he gives a statement with his bat, he won’t be able to establish himself in the dressing room or on the opposition,” Raja said.

“Similarly, Babar Azam needs to be seated and encouraged because when captaincy is taken away from you, you tend to go low [on motivation],” he further added.

Shan Masood was named Pakistan Test captain before the Australia tour. The left-handed batter smashed a double hundred in a practice game against Prime Minister XI in Canberra. Masood scored an unbeaten 201 runs in 298 balls, including 14 boundaries and a six.

The southpaw looked to be in good touch in Pakistan’s first innings during the series opener. He showed aggression against Australia’s bowlers and scored 30 runs off 43 balls. However, he managed to score just two runs before being dismissed in the second innings.

Shaheen Afridi Needs To Become The Leader Of The Attack – Ramiz Raja

The former Pakistan skipper questioned the roles of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi in the challenging series against Australia. Ramiz Raja emphasized the importance of Shaheen emerging as a lethal bowler to maintain a strong impression.

“Shaheen Afridi needs to come out as a lethal bowler. It’s not that he plays as a filler. Conditions in Australia are much better. If you can’t create magic, especially in Perth, then your established impression in this circuit gets hurt. He needs to become the leader of the pack,” Raja futher added.

“We need to reaccess Sarfaraz’s role again. I think, facing top pace bowling in Australia will be challenging with the bat for him. Pakistan needs to quickly assess whether to play Sarfaraz because we need his all-round ability, not only as a keeper behind the stumps but also as a batsman, or do we play Rizwan because he plays pace bowling well,” he concluded.

Sarfaraz returned with two single-digit scores, registering scores of three and four in his two innings. Shaheen picked up one wicket in each of the two innings of the game. Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad were impressed with the ball despite playing their first match.

Also read: PAK vs AUS: “Intent And Technique Missing” – Ramiz Raja Blasts Pakistan After Thrashing Loss