Upcoming Test series in England and Pakistan will be a big challenge for Pakistan vice-captain Babar Azam, says Wasim Akram

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram believes the upcoming Test series in England and Pakistan will be a big challenge for Pakistan vice-captain Babar Azam, who is touted as one of the best all-format batsman in the current generation.

Babar Azam is often compared with the likes of Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Joe Root due to his tremendous ability with the bat but the 25-year-old still has a long way to go before he can match up to the exploits and records of the aforementioned cricketers.

Babar averages over 45 in the format but has only played 1 Test in England in 2018. He scored 68 runs in Pakistan’s famous 9-wicket win in the Lord’s Test on their last tour to England two years ago.

“Babar Azam is definitely one of the best in the world, averaging just over 45 in Test cricket. Babar has the technique, hunger and his cricketing mind is at the right place. He is on the right track. This will be a big test for his technique, he will be under pressure if Pakistan lose their top three very early.

“James Anderson will be bowling the whole day, will deliver close to 20-22 overs and so will Stuart Broad. Chris Woakes is even more dangerous, I feel, because he pitches the ball on the seam and bowls tight lines consistently. You can plan against the opposition bowling but you need to stick to your strengths,” Wasim Akram told Sports Tak in an exclusive chat.