CT: Mohammad Amir criticizes decision to promote Babar as opener
What's the story
Former Pakistani cricketer, Mohammad Amir, has slammed the decision to promote Babar Azam as an opener in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
He thinks Azam's strength is batting at No. 3, where he can build an innings.
Amir's criticism comes after Azam's recent disappointing outing as an opener in the tri-series, where he managed to score just 10, 23 and 29 runs.
Role comparison
Amir compares Azam's situation to his own
Amir drew a parallel between his own role as a bowler and Azam's position in the batting order.
"As I've said before, if I don't get to bowl with the new ball, I can't fully utilize my strength," Amir was quoted by A Sports.
He further emphasized an opener's role in ODIs and Tests is significantly different from T20s, requiring adaptation in phases.
Performance review
Azam's achievement overshadowed by disappointing performance
Despite his dismal show as an opener, Azam reached a major milestone in the tri-series' final.
He became the joint-fastest batter to score 6,000 ODI runs with South Africa's Hashim Amla. But this achievement was soon eclipsed by his wicket after scoring mere 29 runs.
Mohammad Rizwan defended Azam's form saying, "Babar has scored so many runs for Pakistan that we expect him to score a hundred in each game."
Team strategy
PCB hints at long-term opening partnership
The decision to promote Azam to the opening slot was necessitated by an injury to young opener Saim Ayub.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has hinted at a potential long-term opening partnership between Azam and Fakhar Zaman.
However, this strategy has been met with skepticism due to Azam's recent struggles in his new role.
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez also voiced his disapproval of the move, suggesting that Babar should return to No. 3 spot in the batting order for Champions Trophy.