This archive report was first published on 6 August 2020.
Pakistan's Babar Azam Shines in England Test ¶
On August 5, 2020, Pakistan's Babar Azam was compared to India's Virat Kohli as one of the world's leading batsmen after his unbeaten fifty on the opening day of the first Test against England at Old Trafford.
Babar's 69 not out, along with Shan Masood's 46, helped Pakistan reach 139-2 at the end of the first day's play.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain praised Babar's elegant batting style, saying, 'If this lad was Virat Kohli, everyone would be talking about it but because it is Babar Azam, no one is talking about it.'
England coach Chris Silverwood acknowledged that Pakistan were up against a very good batsman, but the team was determined to bounce back in the second day's play.
Despite the challenges posed by the English pace attack, Babar's 70-ball fifty featured nine fours and showcased his impressive batting skills.
The match was interrupted by bad light and a lengthy rain delay, but Babar's unbeaten knock ensured that Pakistan ended the day on a positive note.
Former England paceman Chris Silverwood defended England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, saying, 'No one means to miss them. He's very capable of doing something very special for us tomorrow.'
