Babar Azam, Dropped After Flop Show in 1st Test, Reacts After Pakistan Crush England in His Absence

Babar Azam has congratulated Pakistan for registering a crushing win over England to draw level in their ongoing three-match Test series. The spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali combined to take 20 wickets during the 2nd Test in Multan as Pakistan stormed to a 152-run win on the fourth day of the contest.

Babar, who was dropped after a flop show in the series opener, has shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) praising Shan Masood and co for an emphatic comeback.

“Well done, team! Fantastic win. Proud of the effort and spirit,” the former skipper wrote.

Pakistan batted first and Kamran Ghulam, Babar’s replacement at no.4, scored a century as the hosts were bowled out for 366 in 123.3 overs. England made a quick start but Sajid took a seven-wicket haul to limit them to 291-all out.

Pakistan then set England 374 to win with Agha Salman hitting a half-century. The tourists crumbled to spin again and folded for 144 with Noman taking eight wickets.

The win was Pakistan’s first at home since February 2021. It was also the first time that Pakistan have won a Test since Masood took over from Babar.

“First one is always special, it has come after some hard times,” Masood said during the post-match presentation. “A lot has happened over the last week. For everyone to work together, to come up with a strategy to pick 20 wickets and make it happen, that’s the most satisfying thing. You have to applaud the group. They have been hungry. You can’t doubt the effort of the guys and their commitment. It’ll be special for everyone because it’s come after some tough times and it’s kept us hungry.”

Pakistan suffered an innings defeat in the series opener held at the same venue despite posting a first-innings total of 556-all out.

The third and final Test starts from October 24.