Former Australian cricket team captain Ricky Ponting has advised Babar Azam to consider taking an extended break from the game in order to regain his lost form.
The 49-year-old made his feelings known on the issue during an online interview. While being asked about Babar Azam’s recent struggles with the bat, Ricky Ponting did not go easy on the former Pakistan captain. Ponting said,
Maybe Babar needs to get away for a while and stop trying too hard. Lock the kit bag away for a while, think about something else, and then hopefully come back recharged because we know at his best he’s as good as anyone going around. Hopefully, we get to see that in the back half of his career again.
Babar’s struggles with the bat have been evident for all to see in recent years. His lack of production recently cost him a place in the team altogether during Pakistan’s series against England with Pakistani selectors sharing the same view as Ponting that a break would serve him well.
His stay away from the team lasted just two games as he returned to the playing XI against Australia in the first ODI. Babar looked well set during his innings before being dismissed by Adam Zampa for 37.
He will once again make way for younger players when Pakistan travels for a limited over series to Zimbabwe but will likely be back for the all-important series against South Africa. This stop-start selection shows both his importance to the Pakistan team and the PCB’s indecisiveness in giving him a longer break for his own well-being.
With the Champions Trophy rapidly approaching, Mohammad Rizwan and the Pakistan team will be hoping that Babar swiftly returns to his older self to improve their chances of keeping the pennant at home as the defending champions.
