Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has launched a strong criticism of Babar Azam after the Pakistan captain endured another disappointing outing in the second Test against England at Lord’s.
Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat on Sunday to concede the three-match series 2-0, with their batting once again failing to withstand pressure.
Chasing 389 in the fourth innings, Pakistan were bowled out for 194, while Babar managed only six after scoring eight in the first innings.
For Basit, Babar’s latest failure raised a much bigger question about his contribution when Pakistan need him most.
Speaking on The Game Plan show, Basit compared Babar with several legendary Pakistan batters, arguing that the country’s greatest players established their reputations by delivering in difficult situations.
“They didn't become great players just like that. I'm not even talking about Sachin Tendulkar. I'm talking about my own countrymen".
Basit then questioned whether Babar has done enough when Pakistan have been under pressure.
“When you don't do anything in difficult times, what's the point? You're a great player in your fan following. You're a great player in front of social media.”
The former batter then directly turned his attention to Babar and highlighted his long wait for a Test century.
Babar’s last Test hundred came in December 2022, when he scored 161 against New Zealand in Karachi.
Since then, he has been unable to reach three figures in the format.
“When will you do it? I'm talking about Babar [Azam]. I'll take his name. He hasn't scored a [Test] hundred in four years. When will you do it?” Basit said.
He also expressed his frustration at Babar’s dismissal at Lord’s, particularly because Pakistan’s batting heavily relied on their captain to provide a substantial contribution.
“It's a matter of pain. When the entire country's batting depends on you. At least don't get out by hitting such a shot,” Basit lamented.
Babar’s dismissal came early in the chase when he got into trouble against Jofra Archer.
The Pakistan captain attempted to leave a short delivery but ended up offering a simple catch to Jordan Cox in the slip cordon.
Basit did not spare the other Pakistan batters either.
Saud Shakeel provided the strongest resistance during the chase, scoring 97 off 132 balls and helping Pakistan recover after they slipped to 14/3.
However, his attempt to accelerate towards a century ultimately cost him his wicket.
After smashing two sixes in an over from Josh Tongue, Shakeel fell three runs short of his hundred while attempting another aggressive shot.
“I'm not even satisfied with Saud [Shakeel]'s shot. You've taken on five fielders and you're hitting such a shot,” Basit complained.
Mohammad Rizwan was another target of Basit’s criticism after the wicketkeeper-batter scored only one before being dismissed lbw by Ollie Robinson.
“What shot did [Mohammad] Rizwan hit? Doesn't he have any sense? Is he playing a Test match or street cricket?” Basit said.
Pakistan’s problems with the bat were evident almost immediately in their chase.
Robinson dismissed Azan Awais lbw before producing a delivery that breached Abdullah Shafique’s defence and hit the off stump, leaving Pakistan in serious trouble.
Archer then removed Babar, and Pakistan went into lunch with Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood attempting to rebuild.
Shakeel eventually reached his fifty from 54 balls and formed a useful partnership with Masood.
But Robinson returned after the rain interruption to dismiss Masood, before removing Rizwan soon afterwards.
With Imam-ul-Haq unavailable to bat because of his calf injury, Pakistan’s hopes were effectively over.
Shakeel continued fighting but fell on 97, with Tongue then wrapping up the tail.
England’s bowlers dominated the final innings, with Robinson finishing with eight wickets in the match, as Pakistan were dismissed for 194.
The defeat leaves Pakistan 2-0 down in the series, with the third and final Test to be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9.
