Shan Masood confident in Babar Azam’s comeback against Australia

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood is optimistic about Babar Azam's performance in the upcoming ODI series against Australia, starting on November 4. Babar, who has faced challenges recently, particularly in Test cricket, is expected to bounce back strongly.

Babar’s last ODI was during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, where he scored a total of 320 runs at an average of 40, including four half-centuries. However, his recent form has raised concerns, especially after he managed only 35 runs in the first Test against England and was rested for the remainder of the series.

In a conversation on the BBC's 'Stumped' podcast, Masood praised Babar, calling him one of the best batters in the world. He emphasized that he has no right to determine Babar's future in the game. “I think he's one of the best batsmen in the world. I'm nobody to [say he doesn't have] a future," he said.

Masood believes that the break from cricket will benefit Babar greatly. "I think this break will do him a great deal of benefit and he'll come back a stronger player," he stated. He added that sometimes, players need a break to recharge and that Babar has played a lot of cricket over the years.

Despite being away from the game for some time, Babar has managed to retain his position at the top of the ICC Men's ODI Batting Rankings, showcasing his talent and potential. With this confidence from his captain, fans are eager to see how Babar performs in the challenging series against Australia.