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Babar Azam (Source: X)
Former Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam was seen taking control of the field during Day 2 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. His leadership effort came as Pakistan bowlers struggled to find a way to get the wickets of Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque.
Babar stepped down from the all-format captaincy after the Men in Green's poor performance in the 2023 Asia Cup and ODI World Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) then decided to have a split captaincy with Shan Masood appointed as the Test captain and star pacer Shaheen Afridi as the T20I captain.
However, in late March, Babar was recalled as limited-overs captain. While Masood remained the captain of red-ball cricket, Shaheen lost his power in the short format. The decision came on the unanimous recommendation of the PCB selection committee.
Meanwhile, in the 44th over of Bangladesh's first innings, Babar was seen assisting Masood in setting the field. Shadman and Haque frustrated the hosts with a 97-run partnership that lasted for 24 overs. A video of the same has gone viral on social media as the star batter’s fans reminisce about the old days.
Watch the video below:
My captain setting the field🥺🤍#BabarAzam𓃵|#BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/0lT1q362K4
— Babar Azam 56 (@BabarAzam_152) August 23, 2024
Bangladesh fight back with collective batting efforts
Babar Azam has led Pakistan in 20 Tests and guided them to 10 wins and four draws with a victory percentage of 62.5. On the other hand, Masood, who is leading Pakistan in only his fourth Test, has yet to win a Test match. Under his leadership, Pakistan lost the three-match Test series in Australia earlier this year.
Meanwhile, talking about the ongoing match, Bangladesh are trailing by 132 runs at the end of the third day's play. Earlier on the back of centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, Pakistan scored 448 runs before declaring the innings.