Babar Azam Spent A Significant Part Of 2019 Working On His Mistakes In Tests

Pakistan batting sensation Babar Azam enjoyed a meteoric rise in limited-overs cricket, averaging over 50 in quick time. However, he endured a torrid run in red-ball cricket in the initial few months. Nevertheless, the 25-year old admitted that he took his time in 2019 to understand the mistakes and rectify the same, having gained a better understanding of how to play Test cricket. Babar savoured his best year in Tests in 2019, having accumulated 616 runs in six games at an astounding average of 68.44.

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During this year, he also maintained a strike rate of 72.3. The Lahore-born is one of the few batsmen at present, who is in the top ten rankings for all the formats. His heavy run-scoring against Sri Lanka in Pakistan’s final Test series of 2019 ensured that he broke out in the top ten Test rankings for the first time. Presently, he is ranked number six in Tests, number three in ODIs, and number one in T20Is.

Babar Azam claimed that he spent a major part of 2019 correcting the mistakes he made that helped him to produce the runs. He further conceded that the only way you get better and find your way in the longer format is by playing more and more.

“This year, I worked on improving the mistakes I made in the format and was able to overcome some of them, which helped me make some runs. The more you play the longer format, the more you understand the nuances of the game and find your way,” Babar said as quoted by India Today

Babar rates the century against Australia as his best in 2019 in Tests:

The elegant right-hander stated that playing against Dale Steyn in South Africa in early 2019 gave him a sense of fulfilment and confidence to make his way into the Test match zone. It was in South Africa that he learnt how to convert the 60s and 70s into daddy hundreds and his century against Australia in Brisbane further elevated his confidence.

“My innings in South Africa against Dale Steyn gave me great pleasure and confidence that I can get into the Test match zone. I also learned how to convert 60s and 70s into 100s, and then my century in Australia gave me confidence that I can make big runs in the format. I rate the century against Australia as my best innings of the year in Test format.” he further added.

Pakistan enjoyed the return of Test cricket to their home country where they defeated Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series by 1-0. The men in green are looking forward to host Bangladesh for the limited-overs and Test series this month.

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