Babar Azam Targets Sri Lanka Series Win, Stresses Blend of Senior and Junior Players

RAWALPINDI: Test captain Babar Azam has said he is hopeful of winning the Test series against Sri Lanka and will go ahead with a mix of senior and junior players in the Test side.

Speaking at a press conference in the media box of the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, he said positive things would be seen in the series. Several new boys are part of the squad, and all players have been asked to play their natural game.

Young side and performance

Babar Azam said seven or eight players in Pakistan’s Test squad are young, and the decision to go with young players was taken in England. According to him, Pakistan’s players are coming in after playing first-class cricket and are in form.

On the question of performance, he said there was room for improvement in his own game. He said everyone in the world has periods when they perform and periods when they do not. His mindset is clear, but his performance is not where it should be, and he is consulting the coaches on this.

He said that getting performances from the 15 players he has been given is his job. Asked about selection, he said that was the job of the selection board and committee.

On a question about Mohammad Yousuf, he said Yousuf had only spoken on social media and there had been no direct contact. He said he would certainly learn from him if they were in touch, as he is a legend.

On Sri Lanka, he said their side is balanced, but Pakistan would make use of home ground, home conditions and home crowd advantages. Sri Lanka have been playing cricket in Pakistan for a month and their players have adjusted.

Responding to one question with a smile, Babar Azam said that a dismissal is a dismissal whatever the quality of the ball. He said that whenever he gets out, it is because of his own mistake.