Babar Azam ‘confident’ of leading Pakistan with renewed mindset as captain

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has said he will not compromise on discipline, fitness and performance as he begins a new stint leading the national side in the longest format.

Speaking in an interview on Straight Drive with Salman Butt, Babar said the three areas would remain his top priorities for both himself and the team.

"My main focus is on three things: discipline, fitness and performance," he said. "These will matter a lot for me as captain and for the team going forward."

Babar said captaining Pakistan was always an honour and added that he had learnt valuable lessons from his previous spell in charge.

"I have learnt a lot from my previous experience as captain," he said. "With time, you gain maturity and clarity."

The skipper said Pakistan's young squad included several top performers from domestic cricket and stressed the importance of supporting players during difficult periods.

"As a senior player and captain, my job is to take performances from them, keep them relaxed and back them in difficult times," he said.

Babar also highlighted the importance of the National Cricket Academy's red-ball camp, saying it focused on improving fitness, fielding and patience ahead of the Test season.

Looking ahead to tours of the West Indies and England, he said Pakistan had prepared according to the expected conditions and believed the team's experience would prove beneficial.