Australia vs Pakistan 2023-24

WATCH- Babar Azam’s brainfade moment during practice game against Prime Ministers XI

Pakistan has arrived in Australia for a monumental challenge. A three-match Test series against the reigning World Test Champions, marking the beginning of a new era for their Test side. Taking the helm as captain is Shan Masood who was appointed following the resignation of star batsman Babar Azam.

This leadership change comes after a turbulent ODI World Cup campaign, where Pakistan entered as contenders but fell short, failing to secure a single victory. It is also important to remember that Pakistan has been showing a poor performance in Tests so far, losing multiple series’ at home in the recent past. Masood’s appointment signifies a shift in focus and strategy as Pakistan aims to reassert themselves in the Test arena. Facing the formidable Australia team in their backyard presents a daunting task. However, the new captain and his team are determined to rise to the occasion. Masood, known for his calm and composed temperament, will rely on a blend of experienced veterans and talented young players to navigate the challenging conditions and strive for a historic win.

Pakistan’s hopes of defying the odds against Australia hinges heavily on the shoulders of its star batsman, Babar Azam. Though currently experiencing a batting lull, Azam’s immense talent and world-class potential remain undeniable. With the burden of captaincy being taken away, he can now fully immerse himself in the art of batting, unleashing his full potential to propel Pakistan to an unexpected victory.

In the ongoing 4-day warm-up match against the Prime Ministers XI, Pakistan’s batsmen are in the ascendancy. Led by a determined captain Masood, they have already surpassed 200 runs while losing only 4 wickets. Masood, who has scored a century, seems poised for a substantial contribution to the team’s score. This strong start suggests that Pakistan are adjusting well to the local conditions and are looking to build a significant total.

Babar Azam keeping himself in the game at the non-striker's end…. #PMXIvPAK pic.twitter.com/bMZk2Nk7pi

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2023

Babar Azam stole the spotlight for an unexpected reason

In a moment of lightheartedness during the 37th over of the Pakistan vs. Prime Ministers XI warm-up match, Babar Azam found himself in the spotlight for an unexpected reason. While fielding at the non-striker’s end, the ball struck by Shan Masood rolled towards him. In a spontaneous act, Babar attempted to handle the ball, albeit unsuccessfully as it was slightly beyond his reach.

This incident ignited mixed reactions among fans. Some enjoyed the moment, viewing it as harmless fun in a practice match. Others, however, raised concerns about the legality of Babar’s action, as handling the ball is strictly prohibited in cricket.