‘Social media player’: Former Pakistan cricketer savages Babar Azam after Lord’s horror show

Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali launched a scathing criticism of Babar Azam after the Pakistan skipper suffered another disappointment 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 unable to withstand the pressure. Chasing 389 in the fourth innings, Pakistan were bowled out for 194 as Babar managed just six after scoring eight in the first innings.Babar’s latest failure has raised a much bigger question for Basit about his contribution when Pakistan needs him most.On The Game Plan, Basit compared Babar to several legendary Pakistani batsmen and argued that the country’s greatest players built their reputations by playing 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 countrymen.”Basit then asked if Babar had done enough when Pakistan were under pressure.“If you don’t do anything in tough times, what’s the point? You’re a great player in fan following. You’re a great player in front of social media.”

Basit questions Babar’s test record

The former batsman then directly turned his attention to Babar, highlighting 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 not been able to reach three figures in the format.“When will you do it? I am talking about Babar (Azam). I will take his name. He has not made a (Test) hundred in four years. When will you do it?” said Basit.He also expressed his frustration at Babar’s dismissal at Lord’s, especially as Pakistan’s batting relied heavily on their captain to make a substantial contribution.“It’s a matter of pain. When the entire country’s batting depends on you. At least don’t get out of it by firing a shot like that,” Basit lamented.Babar’s dismissal came early in the chase when he ran into trouble against Jofro Archer. The Pakistan skipper attempted a short delivery but ended up offering Jordan Cox a simple catch in the cordon.

Saud Shakeel is also coming under fire

Basit did not spare the other Pakistani batsmen either. Saud Shakeel provided the most resistance during the chase, scoring 97 off 132 balls to help Pakistan recover after slumping to 14/3. However, his attempt to accelerate towards a century cost him a wicket in the end.After smashing two sixes in an over off Josh Tongue, Shakeel fell three runs short of his hundred and attempted another aggressive knock.“I am not happy with Saud’s (Shakeel) shot either. You have stepped on five players in the field and you are hitting a shot like that,” Basit complained.Mohammad Rizwan was the next target of Basit’s criticism after the wicketkeeper-palter scored just one before being dismissed lbw by Ollie Robinson.“What shot did (Mohammad) Rizwan hit? Is he out of his mind? Is he playing a Test match or street cricket?” said Basit.

Pakistan’s batting collapsed again

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 defense and hit the stumps, putting Pakistan in serious trouble.Archer then removed Babar and Pakistan went to lunch with Saud Shakeel and Shane Masood trying to rebuild.Shakeel eventually reached his fifty off 54 balls and formed a useful partnership with Masood. But Robinson returned after the rain break to dismiss Masood before removing Rizwan soon after.With Imam-ul-Haq unavailable to bat due to a calf injury, Pakistan’s hopes were virtually over. Shakeel continued to fight but fell for 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 up in the series, with the third and final Test to be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from September 9.