Babar told to improve strike rate for comeback in T20 squad

Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has been advised to improve his batting against spin as well as strike rate if he wants to reclaim a place in the national Twenty20 side, head coach Mike Hesson has said.

Babar, a key figure in Pakistan’s Test and ODI line-ups, has been out of T20 action since the team’s tour of South Africa last year.

The 30-year-old was also left out of the squad for next month’s Asia Cup, where selectors opted to back emerging talent, including Sahibzada Farhan.

“Babar has been asked to work on certain areas, particularly his approach against spin and improving his strike rate,” Hesson said, as quoted by Reuters. The right-hander’s T20I strike rate of 129.

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“He’s putting in the hard work, but at present the players we have are delivering outstanding performances. Farhan, for instance, has played six matches and earned three player-of-the-match awards.”

Hesson suggested that Babar use overseas franchise cricket to refine his short-format batting.

“The Big Bash League gives him a chance to demonstrate progress in those areas. A player of his calibre is always in contention, but he needs to adapt to the demands of T20 cricket,” the coach added.

Pakistan open their Asia Cup campaign against Oman in Dubai on September 12 before facing arch-rivals India two days later.