Steve Smith, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Virat Kohli - are among the fabulous 4 batters in modern-day cricket, and, it has always been hard for Babar Azam to find a place among them. In the limited-overs format, Babar has elevated his status as one of the finest in the business; but until and unless you have achieved greatness in white clothes, surely, even in this era of circus shows, you would not be regarded as one of the modern-day greats.
Babar catches your attention with his sublime timing and crispy drives through backward point and cover region - there is that shadow of Virat Kohli in him when you watch him bring the bat with front foot facing towards cover and with late adjustments -meet the ball at the middle of the bat. But the matter is about displaying temperament to play a long innings - and under pressure - the Smith, Root, and Williamson have always been missing from the poster-boy of Pakistan cricket.
But - he wishes to join the league of the elite batters in world cricket and since he has been appointed as the captain - the temperamental aspect started to bloom as if a jeweler is shaping up the diamond to showcase at the big stage and impress the Gods of cricket.
85 for 7 - a score, that is not unfamiliar to Pakistan fans and they are also not unfamiliar with the epic vigils their cricketing legends have dished out since Pakistan joined the cricketing world.
While standing at the non-striker's end, Babr watched the house collapse, and with the track offering enough turn and bounce; it was up to Babar to negotiate the snakes on the deck like a snake charmer - play the ball late with astute footwork and execute the sweep perfectly without taking undue risk.
And, most importantly, he was needed to shield the shaky tail.
85 for 7 became, 112 for 8, and 112 for 8 became 148 for 9 - Game over?
Not yet - because the team is Pakistan!
Naseem Shah - whose overall batting average in Test matches is 3.2 - unleashed a defiant resistance like a man possessed and blocked whatever came on his way.
Yet again, the basics of strike-rotation while building a partnership was reminded and how to shield a tail-ender under pressure, was taught by Babar.
The last wicket stitched a 70-run stand where Naseem contributed just 5 runs off 52 balls - that's what Pakistan can offer when the contest is lost.
And when the contest is lost, they discover a one-man army and Babr was the leader of men who led from the front.
Babar completed a seventh Test ton, and added 24 runs after tea - He whipped a full toss from Theekshana powerfully wide of mid-on and reached 99. In the following delivery, he inside-edged one that was moving towards leg, and the batters scampered through.
A hundred to remember for ages and yet another epic vigil from the man, who is knocking at the door of greatness and enter!
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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