When it comes to premier batters in men’s world cricket, there are three names that always pop up: the talismanic Virat Kohli, the swashbuckling Steve Smith, and the composed yet lethal Babar Azam. And lucky for fans all over, we are yet to witness yet another clash of two batting titans as Australia is set to take on Pakistan in the Benaud-Qadir series in December.
Speaking about the series and the quality batters coming in to play, Australia’s opening batter Usman Khawaja stated that watching two titans such as Smith and Babar clash would be similar to watching the intense battles that have ensued when Smith and Kohli collided heads.
“Babar Azam is one of the best batsmen in all three formats. Steve Smith is the greatest batsman of our era. When they both will be playing here in the Benaud-Qadir series, it would be exciting. Matching Babar with Smith is almost like matching Smith with Kohli.”
Despite his reputation, current form speaks against the resume of the feared Babar Azam. The ex-Pakistan skipper had a rough outing in the ICC Cricket World Cup in India, as he struggled to put together meaningful innings, and eventually was knocked out of the tournament.
Despite it all, Khawaja still maintains the belief that Babar is a threat at all times, given his extensive record of consistent performances in overseas conditions.
“One of the great things about Babar is he does not score only in Pakistan; he scores runs overseas as well. He has scored a hundred here in the past,” said Khawaja to reporters.
All the talk was not just about the one with the bat, but the man running in with the ball on the other side of the pitch as well. Khawaja also talked about the challenges Pakistan’s seamers can pose in Australian conditions. Especially the trouble one Shaheen Shah Afridi can cause.
“I think Shaheen Shah and Mitchell Starc, both are very fast bowlers, and both can bowl up to 145. We know Starc can swing the new ball.”
“Shaheen has a very good wrist. He definitely swings the ball. When it’s overcast in Australian conditions, if a fast bowler is swinging the ball, it makes our job as an opener a bit tough. This is what you rebel for, this is what you play for.”
Despite the fact that Pakistan have never won a single Test series so far in Australia, Khawaja emphasizes that the Aussies need to tread lightly.
“Pakistan is one of the better teams in the world. They have good batting and always have great fast bowlers.”
“Looking at the past teams, I think this is the strongest Pakistan batting lineup coming over. Babar Azam is one of the best batsmen in the world. Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique has scored a lot of runs. I am very excited about this challenge.”
Following the first Test in Perth from December 14-18, Pakistan’s next two Tests in the tour of Australia will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26-30, and the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7, 2024.
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