Babar Azam demonstrated his fitness and scored an impressive number of runs, according to Salman Butt.
New Delhi [India], August 17 : Former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt has praised Babar Azam, highlighting that the right-handed batter has proven his fitness and scored an impressive number of runs over the past two years.
Babar Azam, a key player for Pakistan, is expected to bat at the number four spot in the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, according to sources cited by Geo News on Thursday.
The sources mentioned that Abdullah Shafiq's role as an opener remains secure, while captain Shan Masood will take the number three position.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Butt stated, "Babar Azam has scored truckloads of runs over the last two years. He has proven his fitness by running hard on the field and scoring in both the first and second innings. The team should be progressing, but things are falling apart in the middle, which is not right. It is the players' responsibility to maintain their fitness."
Butt also pointed out that the entire nation began criticizing the fitness levels of the Pakistan cricket team following their poor performance at the T20 World Cup 2024.
"Everyone in Pakistan is discussing the team's fitness, which has sparked a major issue. Junior-level players were pushed to run harder after the team was criticized for not being fit during the T20 World Cup 2024. However, no one questioned the physios or trainers. Instead, players at the district level were pushed to improve their fitness, while those who made mistakes are still in their positions," Butt added.
The two-match Test series is set to begin on August 21 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. These Tests against Bangladesh will be the first assignment for Jason Gillespie as Pakistan's Test coach.
The second Test of the series is scheduled to be held from August 30 to September 3 in Karachi.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Wednesday that spectators will not be allowed during the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh due to ongoing renovations at Karachi's National Stadium.
**Pakistan squad for Test series**: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Aamir Jamal (subject to fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Hurraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
**Bangladesh squad for Test series**: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudullah, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nazmul Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Khaled Ahmed.