Pak vs Ban: Player Analysis: Babar Azam's test cricket downturn: what went wrong ?

Babar Azam, Pakistan's batting sensation, has been known for his elegance and consistency across formats. However, the Test innings from 2023 tell a different story, as Babar struggled to convert his starts into big scores. In 15 innings across various series, including tours against Bangladesh, New Zealand, Australia, and Sri Lanka, Babar accumulated 317 runs with an average of 21.1 and a strike rate of 51.3. His highest score in these innings was 41, a clear indicator of his uncharacteristic struggles to reach the fifty mark or beyond. Despite facing considerable challenges, Babar managed to hit 38 boundaries and 2 sixes, showing flashes of his brilliance but without the substantial impact expected from a player of his caliber.

This phase in Babar Azam's Test career reflects the volatility of cricket, where even the most celebrated batsmen can encounter periods of difficulty. His inability to anchor Pakistan's innings with significant contributions put additional pressure on the team, especially against formidable bowling attacks in challenging conditions. As one of the pillars of Pakistan's batting lineup, these statistics emphasize the importance of form and consistency at the highest level, something Babar will undoubtedly be eager to rectify in the future series to reclaim his reputation as one of the world's leading Test batsmen.

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Babar Azam's Test Struggles: A Deep Dive into His Underwhelming Performances

Babar Azam, renowned as one of the modern-day greats in cricket, encountered a challenging phase in his Test career throughout 2023. His batting average, a key indicator of consistency and performance, fluctuated across various series, reflecting the difficulties he faced against different opponents. Despite his immense talent and prior success, Babar's struggles with the bat during this period were evident, particularly as he failed to produce the big scores that have defined much of his career.

In the Test series against Bangladesh in Pakistan in 2024, Babar's performance was uncharacteristically subdued. Across four innings, he managed to score just 64 runs, resulting in a modest average of 16.0. His highest score in the series was 31, far below the standards expected of a player of his caliber. This series highlighted the difficulties Babar faced in adjusting to the conditions and the opposition's bowling attack, which managed to keep him largely contained.

When facing New Zealand in Pakistan in 2022, Babar showed some signs of recovery with a slightly better average of 25.5. In two innings, he scored 51 runs with a highest score of 27. While this was an improvement from his performance against Bangladesh, it still fell short of the high expectations placed upon him. New Zealand's disciplined bowling attack, coupled with Babar's struggle to find rhythm, prevented him from making a significant impact in the series.

The tour of Australia in 2023 proved to be one of Babar's most challenging experiences. Over six innings, he accumulated 126 runs at an average of 21.0, with a highest score of 41. Australia's pace and bounce, combined with their relentless pressure, tested Babar's technique and temperament. Despite his efforts, he was unable to convert his starts into substantial scores, leaving Pakistan's batting lineup vulnerable in the series.

Finally, in the series against Sri Lanka in 2023, Babar showed glimpses of his class but still fell short of expectations. With 76 runs across three innings, he averaged 25.3, the highest among the series in 2023, but still not reflective of his true potential. His highest score of 39 in the series was indicative of his ability to get settled at the crease, but once again, he failed to capitalize on it to produce a defining innings. Sri Lanka’s spinners, known for their prowess in home conditions, played a significant role in keeping Babar in check.

Overall, Babar Azam’s batting average across all opponents in 2023 paints a picture of a player who, despite his immense talent, found it difficult to dominate the way he has in the past. His overall average of 21.1 for the year is a stark contrast to his career averages and reflects a phase of inconsistency. This period of struggle serves as a reminder of the challenges even the best players can face, and it underscores the importance of resilience and adaptation in international cricket. For Babar, these experiences are likely to be valuable lessons as he looks to regain his form and return to his dominant best in future Test series.

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