The Year 2023! - A Challenging Year Unfolds For Babar Azam In Terms Of Numbers

image-lq976v73Babar Azam struggles continue against the red ball in 2023(x.com)

The year 2023 has proven to be challenging for Pakistan's cricket sensation, Babar Azam, the former captain's test performance has raised concerns among cricket enthusiasts. Babar, who made his test debut on October 13, 2016, against the West Indies in Dubai, has enjoyed a successful career thus far, amassing 3807 runs in 50 test matches with an impressive average of 47.00.

A challenging year for Babar Azam in terms of numbers

However, 2023 has been far from fruitful for the talented batter. The early exit from the World Cup and the subsequent captaincy snub has cast a shadow over his cricketing journey this year. In particular, his test numbers are under scrutiny, with a notable dip in form. In the seven innings played this year, Babar managed only 162 runs, averaging 23.14. Remarkably, for the first time in his career, he failed to cross the 50-run mark in an innings, with his highest score being 39 runs.


Moreover, his ball-faced count for the year is at its lowest, having confronted only 292 deliveries in test cricket. These below-average statistics raise eyebrows considering Babar Azam's esteemed status in world cricket. Despite his struggles, he currently holds the 4th position in the ICC Men's Test Batting Rankings.

As the Pakistan-Australia test series unfolds, the ongoing first match at Perth has seen Babar contributing 21 runs in the first innings and 14 runs in the second. Once Babar departed, the Pakistan innings crumbled and they were bundled out for 89, losing the game by a massive 360 runs.

Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Babar Azam in the second test scheduled for December 26 in Melbourne.