Pakistan’s crushing 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s has once again thrust senior batsman Babar Azam into the eye of a fierce storm. Chasing an imposing target of 389, the visitors folded meekly under pressure, prompting former Test batsman Basit Ali to launch a blistering attack on Babar’s big-match temperament and overall legacy.
Babar had returned to the playing XI after recovering from a hand injury, deemed roughly ninety percent fit ahead of the fixture. However, his output on the pitch failed to match the physical recovery. Following a modest 8 in the first innings, he managed just 6 runs in the second, failing to anchor a fragile batting order when stability was paramount. His early departure compounded an already desperate situation for the tourists, sealing an unassailable 2-0 series deficit with a match to spare.
Appearing on a cricket analysis programme, Basit did not mince his words when discussing modern criteria for greatness. He argued that true status cannot be measured by digital popularity or social media applause. Pointing to legendary figures from Pakistan’s cricketing past such as Majid Khan, Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Hk, Younis Khan, and Saeed Anwar, he emphasised that genuine icons earn their reputation by delivering match-winning performances precisely when their team faces profound crisis.
The criticism is anchored in a prolonged slump in the longest format. Babar has failed to reach three figures in Test cricket since December 2022, when he struck 161 against New Zealand in Karachi. Over his last sixteen Test appearances, his average has plummeted to 30.53, dragging his overall career average down to 43. Basit expressed acute frustration that a player carrying the nation’s batting hopes continues to squander opportunities with casual dismissals when the team’s collective gaze is fixed upon him.
The backlash extended well beyond the former captain. Saud Shakeel had offered the primary resistance during the second innings, crafting a gritty 97 before falling to a short delivery from Josh Tongue while attempting to accelerate. Basit took firm exception to the manner of that dismissal, noting that the batsman played straight into a well-set trap with multiple fielders patrolling the boundary. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan also faced scathing remarks for a loose stroke that yielded just 1 run, with the former player questioning whether the shot selection belonged in international red-ball cricket.
The touring side now faces a swift transition to the final fixture of the series. The third and final Test is scheduled to begin at Edgbaston on 9 September. While the series trophy is already beyond reach, the upcoming match offers Babar and the senior leadership group a critical window to salvage personal pride and restore credibility to a misfiring batting unit.
