Is Babar Azam really a top Test batter or just hype?

[pakistani pride]

Of course, everyone is busy with the WT20, and there is this constant argument that Babar is not fit for T20 and should focus on Test cricket. But his Test record is pretty mediocre overall as well.

He plays the majority of his games on “roads” yet his average is only 42. For a player often called the best batsman in the team, that is actually quite poor. More worrying is that his average has been trending downward in recent years.

Looking specifically at SENA teams. He has 5 centuries (correct me if I am wrong), but only one of them led to a win the 127 vs New Zealand in Dubai back in 2018. In SENA he has one century which came vs Australia and Pakistan lost that match?

At a time when a batting average of 50+ is considered the benchmark, he averages only 42, and the number is declining. On what basis do people keep calling him a good Test player?

 

[Cricket Warrior]

he is overrated overall... only ODI format where he dominates otherwise he is just an average player.

 

[Kianig89]

Not the ideal time to ask these type of question, in a middle of WC we need to back our players

 

[pakistani pride]

he is overrated overall... only ODI format where he dominates otherwise he is just an average player.

ODIs also no real big score in ICC games. Lots of JAMODIs runs.

 

[pakistani pride]

Not the ideal time to ask these type of question, in a middle of WC we need to back our players

Cant back players who have been failing for years and years and do not improve.

 

[BreadPakoda]

He isn’t a top test batsman. 2 overseas centuries if I am not wrong.

Gill made more in a single series against England and we don’t even rate him.

 

[pakistani pride]

He isn’t a top test batsman. 2 overseas centuries if I am not wrong.

Gill made more in a single series against England and we don’t even rate him.

Thats what I mean. Yet so called experts rate him in red ball cricket.

 

[LegendAli]

Of course, everyone is busy with the WT20, and there is this constant argument that Babar is not fit for T20 and should focus on Test cricket. But his Test record is pretty mediocre overall as well.

He plays the majority of his games on “roads” yet his average is only 42. For a player often called the best batsman in the team, that is actually quite poor. More worrying is that his average has been trending downward in recent years.

Looking specifically at SENA teams. He has 5 centuries (correct me if I am wrong), but only one of them led to a win the 127 vs New Zealand in Dubai back in 2018. In SENA he has one century which came vs Australia and Pakistan lost that match?

At a time when a batting average of 50+ is considered the benchmark, he averages only 42, and the number is declining. On what basis do people keep calling him a good Test player?

The answer is in your post, honestly if you've been watching him the last few years you wouldn't of even created this thread.

 

[Ball Blazer]

Timeline of the Test matches Babar Azam has missed since making his debut. Only 8 tests missed

 

[RyanRyan10]

Timeline of the Test matches Babar Azam has missed since making his debut. Only 8 tests missed

View attachment 164250

8 Tests isn't a small number here for a specialist batter

 

[Kianig89]

Babar Azam is injured but the loose motions ain't stopping , trying to demean him at every chance

 

[sithb]

8 Tests isn't a small number here for a specialist batter

Out of which 2 tests dropped to make way for Younis Khan. Which probably shouldn't be counted.

I think his injury record is fine. Only 4 tests missed. What's more concerning is his form. Unless he enjoys a late renaissance, he could well end up with an average of less than 40.

 

[sithb]

Other batsmen have missed more tests due to injury or even otherwise.

 

[Rana]

The way he was dropped in 2024 and Pakistan winning the series afterwards is beautiful