Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 16, 2024 11:50 pm GMT
The excitement surrounding the upcoming Test series between Pakistan and England is growing, particularly with the unique training methods employed by the Pakistani team. Ahead of their opening match on October 7 at the Multan Cricket Stadium, a video of captain Babar Azam practicing with an unusual tool has gone viral. Instead of a traditional bat, Babar was seen using a bat cover during a training session, raising eyebrows and sparking conversations among cricket fans worldwide.
Unconventional Training Techniques
In the viral video, Babar Azam is practicing with a cover while Islamabad’s wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan prepares behind the stumps. This quirky practice session features a throwdown specialist bowling to Babar, as he focuses on honing his batting skills while Rizwan works on his wicketkeeping techniques.
- Babar’s Unique Method: Instead of a bat, Babar swung a bat cover.
- Rizwan’s Focus: The aim was to help him improve his skills as a wicketkeeper, especially in catching challenging deliveries.
Fans were quick to react to this unconventional approach. Social media was filled with humorous takes, with many poking fun at the situation. One comment read, “Only Pakistan could come up with practices like these,” highlighting the team’s reputation for creativity, sometimes viewed as quirky, in their training routines.
Fan Reactions
The response was mixed, with some fans mocking the situation, suggesting that it was a sign of financial strain within the team. Others applauded Babar for thinking outside the box and prioritizing Rizwan’s development. A fan summarized the sentiment sharply, stating, “This is the guide for ‘How to Win CT2025!’”
While the jokes continued to roll in, other cricket enthusiasts defended Babar’s training method as an innovative approach to practice. They pointed out that this technique allowed Rizwan to work on catching balls that would be difficult to play without the distraction of Babar’s typical batting motion.
Pakistan’s Playing XI for the First Test
As the team prepares for the first Test against England, Pakistan has named its playing XI. Notably, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Aamer Jamal will be returning to the side. Afridi’s return is especially significant after his disappointing performance in the previous Test against Bangladesh, where he took only two wickets. Jamal, meanwhile, hasn’t played a Test since earlier this year but made a noteworthy impact in that match.
The players selected for Pakistan’s squad are:
- Saim Ayub
- Abdullah Shafique
- Shan Masood (captain)
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Aamer Jamal
- Abrar Ahmed
On the other side, the England team will include players such as Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root, among others. The competition is expected to be fierce, with both teams looking to establish their dominance early in the series.
Setting the Scene
The upcoming series between Pakistan and England holds significant importance, not only for the teams involved but also for the fans who eagerly anticipate the matches. The Multan Cricket Stadium is set to be a battleground for talent, strategy, and the spirit of cricket.
As both teams finalize their line-ups, the spotlight remains on the unconventional training techniques of players like Babar Azam. Whether it’s using a bat cover or focusing on specific skills, the decisions made during practice sessions can greatly influence performance in match conditions.
Conclusion
The viral video showcasing Babar Azam’s unique training approach has provided both amusement and insight into the preparation strategies of the Pakistani cricket team. While some fans found humor in the unconventional method, others recognized the underlying focus on skill development for the upcoming Test series. With the match just around the corner, all eyes will be on Multan as Pakistan faces off against England, and how these training techniques play a role in shaping the match outcomes.
Cricket fans are getting excited for the upcoming series! Everyone is eager to see how well the teams play after all their hard work in practice. It will be fun to watch and see if their training pays off on the field!
