Now Reading: Babar Azam returns to ICC Test top 10, Masood trains
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Babar Azam returns to ICC Test top 10, Masood trains
Babar Azam has returned to the top 10 of the ICC Test batting rankings for the first time since September 2024, climbing five places to No. 10 after Pakistan's eight-wicket win over…
The Story in Brief
Babar Azam has returned to the top 10 of the ICC Test batting rankings for the first time since September 2024, climbing five places to No. 10 after Pakistan's eight-wicket win over the West Indies in Port of Spain. The captain scored 88 in the first innings and remained unbeaten on 24 to help his team level the series 1-1. Meanwhile, batter Shan Masood has returned to training at Beckenham after missing the second Test with a finger injury, raising hopes he will be available for the first Test against England in Leeds starting August 19.
The Indian Opinion
The usual narrative around Babar Azam's return to the top 10 is that Pakistan's batting is back. But one good series against a weak West Indies side does not erase the slump that saw him drop out in the first place. The real test begins in England, where swing bowling has exposed him before. Shan Masood's fitness will matter more than a ranking number. Watch how many runs Pakistan's top three score in the first innings in Leeds, that will show if this ranking is a blip or a revival.
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, sports.ndtv.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
