Jayawardene believes Pakistan’s star can dethrone Root as the best test batter. Since the turn of the decade, the former England captain has scored more runs than any other player. He deservedly won the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year award in 2021.
Sri Lanka legend Mahela Jayawardene has named Pakistan captain Babar Azam as the cricketer. He believes can unseat England’s Joe Root as the top Test batter. Since June, Root has ruled the roost at the top of the Test rankings. Enjoying a fine World Test Championship and a rich vein of form under new coach Brendon McCullum.
Since the turn of the decade, the former England captain has scored more runs than any other player.
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He deservedly won the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year award in 2021.
“That’s a tough one!” When asked who can dethrone Root from the top spot, Jayawardena said on the latest episode of The ICC Review.
“I believe Babar Azam has a chance.” He’s been consistent in all three formats, and his rankings reflect that. He’s a naturally gifted player who can play in any situation and has the game to adapt.
“It depends on how much cricket is played, who is playing when, and how much, but Babar could be the guy.” Babar is the only player in the top three batters’ rankings in all three formats, having topped the white-ball rankings and currently ranking third in Tests.
“It’s a tough one to hold on to in T20Is and ODIs because there are a lot of good players who have to be consistent,” Jayawardene said.
“I’d bet on him holding to all three for a while, but there are some good quality players around who will keep pushing him.” When asked what makes Babar such a special player, Jayawardene said the amount of time the Pakistan captain spends at the crease.
“I think it’s just his technique, the time he has, and the composure he has out there in the middle,” the former Sri Lanka captain explained.
“He’s never rattled, whether he’s playing T20Is, ODIs, or Tests; he adjusts brilliantly.”
“Joe (Root) is the same in Test cricket. He knows what he needs to do, he can change the tempo when he wants to, and he bats to the conditions. Babar possesses the same quality, which explains why he has been so consistent across all three formats.” The two superstars will square off later this year when England visits Pakistan for a three-match Test series in December.
Root’s No.1 spot could be further cemented in the upcoming series against South Africa, while Babar will have to wait until the series against England later in the year to make a charge for the top.
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