Titan24
Senior Test Player
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2016
- Runs
- 25,094
- Post of the Week
- 6
So its been something which has been in the debate for a number of months now that maybe Babar should come at no 3. Not only Babar and Rizwan have a similar approach towards the game where its not always comfortable for both to put a bowler bowling good balls consistently away by taking that bit of extra risk in the PP but, also the fact that separating the both would mean Pakistan's struggling middle order can get that bit of extra depth and reputation.
Another thing to consider is that Babar's numbers at no 3 are as impressive as anyone playing the role of anchor for their team with an average of almost 50 and SR of 123 (Which is better than other players we have tried at number 3 in last year or so). His last 7 scores at no 3 have been 34*, 50*, 18, 44, 50, 52, 51.
Babar batting at no 3 not only will provide that extra insurance and cushion to the Pakistan's batting lineup but, also will allow the openers to try and utilize the PP as well as they can rather than worrying about losing their wickets.
Even if we look at the other teams the batsmen who are similar to Babar in terms of how they go about their game give or take a bit they bat at no 3 for their side. Eng with Malan (Previously Root), NZ with Williamson, Aus with Smith (Hasnt been part of the lineup recently), India with Kohli and so on.
Only time Babar agreed to come at no 3 in recent times when he was captain was vs SA at home for last T20I which allowed Pakistan to tackle Shami (Babar did that really well) and to win the series and also in Zimbabwe as well as WI where Babar scored 50s.
Maybe its a bit late to talk about it considering the World T20 for Pakistan is on the brink of getting over but, definitely this rigidity from the part of someone with as much quality as class as Babar has been a bit surprising. Wasim Akram mentioned that in a TV show that Babar didnt want to come in at no 3 and thats why they didnt open with Sharjeel and Guptill and some rumors have been floating around recently as well.
Yes Babar and Rizwan have the most 100 stands in T20Is and a number of other things to their names as opening pair however, at the end its about the team and not such milestones. If the current Pakistan's setup needs someone solid at 3, bit more intent in PP and to support overall combination then I dont think the numbers they both have together should take precedent over team requirements. Babar has enough class to be able to perform the same way at no 3 as the numbers that I shared also manifest.
While its late to talk about it but, considering the role Babar will have in our cricket across the formats as a fan I would like him to be more open minded learn, assess, adapt and grow.
Another thing to consider is that Babar's numbers at no 3 are as impressive as anyone playing the role of anchor for their team with an average of almost 50 and SR of 123 (Which is better than other players we have tried at number 3 in last year or so). His last 7 scores at no 3 have been 34*, 50*, 18, 44, 50, 52, 51.
Babar batting at no 3 not only will provide that extra insurance and cushion to the Pakistan's batting lineup but, also will allow the openers to try and utilize the PP as well as they can rather than worrying about losing their wickets.
Even if we look at the other teams the batsmen who are similar to Babar in terms of how they go about their game give or take a bit they bat at no 3 for their side. Eng with Malan (Previously Root), NZ with Williamson, Aus with Smith (Hasnt been part of the lineup recently), India with Kohli and so on.
Only time Babar agreed to come at no 3 in recent times when he was captain was vs SA at home for last T20I which allowed Pakistan to tackle Shami (Babar did that really well) and to win the series and also in Zimbabwe as well as WI where Babar scored 50s.
Maybe its a bit late to talk about it considering the World T20 for Pakistan is on the brink of getting over but, definitely this rigidity from the part of someone with as much quality as class as Babar has been a bit surprising. Wasim Akram mentioned that in a TV show that Babar didnt want to come in at no 3 and thats why they didnt open with Sharjeel and Guptill and some rumors have been floating around recently as well.
Yes Babar and Rizwan have the most 100 stands in T20Is and a number of other things to their names as opening pair however, at the end its about the team and not such milestones. If the current Pakistan's setup needs someone solid at 3, bit more intent in PP and to support overall combination then I dont think the numbers they both have together should take precedent over team requirements. Babar has enough class to be able to perform the same way at no 3 as the numbers that I shared also manifest.
While its late to talk about it but, considering the role Babar will have in our cricket across the formats as a fan I would like him to be more open minded learn, assess, adapt and grow.
