Pakistan captain Babar Azam played down criticism of his Test captaincy, saying it is in no way affecting his batting in the longest format of the game. Babar’s comments came after Pakistan were whitewashed 3-0 in a Test series at home by England on Tuesday, December 20.
Pakistan lost the 3rd and final Test in Karachi by 6 wickets as England clinched the victory as early as Day 4. Pakistan crumbled with the bat in their second innings, losing their last 7 wickets for just 52 runs. England won the series opener in Rawalpindi by 74 runs and followed it up with a 26-run win in Multan in a hard-fought contest to seal the series on their first Test tour of Pakistan in 17 years.
It was Pakistan’s first-ever series whitewash in 3 Tests or more at home in their history. Babar also slipped to a new low as he became the first captain from the country to lose 4 Tests on the trot.
Speaking to the press after the 3rd Test defeat, Babar said he takes responsibility for the humbling to England and that he has always put the team first.
“I don’t think there is anything like that (captaincy affecting batting). I enjoy batting in pressure. I don’t think captaincy is affecting my batting. Captaincy is an honour. I always try and give my best to my country. For me, Pakistan is first, the rest comes later. The team has lost and I am here to defend my teammates, as a captain, I will front up and take responsibility. Whenever something like this happens, I will be in the front,” Babar said.
“We were a bit unfortunate as well because our fast bowlers and a few other players were not fit. We played new guys and they did well but our execution was not at its best. There were quite a few soft dismissals because of which we were not able to win a Test match that we should have won,” Babar added.
