Former Australia captain and ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting has heaped praise on Pakistan skipper and ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year Babar Azam, saying that he could go down as one of Pakistan’s all-time great players.
Speaking with ICC, Ponting said Azam is technically a very good player, and has been able to adapt to conditions all around the world.
“Technically, he’s very good. He plays spin bowling very well, he plays fast bowling really well, and he’s been able to adapt to different conditions across the world - which is what separates the great players from the good players,” said Ponting.
The former batter said Azam is probably not at the peak of his powers and could improve in the next few years.
“He’s probably not (at his peak). Most batters come into their prime in the start of their early thirties. So I think Babar’s still got a little bit of improvement to come, which is a pretty scary thought with what he’s been able to do, pretty much across all three formats over the last three, four years. I love watching him play,” Ponting added.
He backed Azam to succeed as Pakistan’s captain, saying that captaining a T20 side is never easy.
“Being a captain of the T20 team is never an easy thing to do, especially in a World Cup, and especially in a moment that was as big as that one was when things were getting really tight. I’m sure with a bit more experience under his belt, like he’s done with his batting, I’m sure he’ll find the right way to lead and be a very successful captain of Pakistan,” said Ponting.
Ponting said Azam is on an upward curve and could finish his career as one of Pakistan’s all-time great players.
“He’s on the upward curve now to maybe go down as the all-time greatest. I know there’s Inzamam (ul-Haq) and Younis Khan and those sorts of guys who’ve got more runs than him. By the time he’s finished, his numbers I’m sure will stack up along with the very best Pakistan has produced,” Ponting added.
Former Australia captain and ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting has heaped praise on Pakistan skipper and ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year Babar Azam, saying that he could go down as one of Pakistan’s all-time great players.
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Wish Ponting had said something on Sharjeel also , same for Nasser and Bish