Pakistan Test head coach Jason Gillespie is backing Babar Azam, who is under the scanner for his failures in the format, especially in the home series against Bangladesh. The former Aussie pacer expressed his confidence in Babar.
The former Pakistan captain in red-ball cricket hasn’t scored a fifty in 16 innings. Bangladesh have outplayed the hosts, and Babar’s form has played a big role in his team’s struggles.
The 29-year-old has managed 64 runs in four innings with a highest score of 31.
Gillespie said that Babar has got starts but he hasn’t been able to convert them into big scores.
“Babar Azam is a quality player and has got a couple of starts in the series. Like many others, he hasn’t been able to convert starts. But he is a world-class player, and he is very close to scoring big runs for the team. He is too good a batter, and I am looking forward to seeing him among runs,” he said.
Pakistan scored 274 in their first innings of the second Test but allowed Bangladesh to post 262 despite keeping their score 26/6 at one stage. The home side was dismissed for 172 in their second innings, giving a target of 185 to Bangladesh.
The visitors were 42/0 at the end of Day 4.
“I liked the game conditions in Rawalpindi”: Jason Gillespie
Gillespie feels that Pakistan have quality players to win matches, and he will back them.
“We are lacking in some areas, and we will address them soon. I think there are several quality players in the Test team and they are working hard. They can become match-winners for Pakistan. I liked the conditions in Rawalpindi as it has got something for everyone. We have a match to win tomorrow, and we will give our best shot.”
Pakistan need 10 wickets on Day 5 to win the second Test against Bangladesh and level the series.
