Ricky Ponting believes Babar Azam deserves place in all-time great debate

Sports Jan, 27 2023
Ricky Ponting believes Babar Azam deserves place in all-time great debate
  • 37
  • 0

ISLAMABAD: ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting believes the cricket world has yet to see the best of Babar Azam, who claimed two ICC Awards for his efforts in 2022.

Babar took out both the major men’s cricket award, the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, as well as the Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in the 2022 ICC Awards, beating competitive fields in both categories.

Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting led the chorus of praise for Babar, citing the Pakistan skipper’s textbook base and his ability to adjust in different conditions as keys to his success.

Technically, he’s very good, said Ponting.

He plays spin bowling very well, he plays fast bowling really well, and he’s been able to adapt to different conditions across the world - which is what separates the great players from the good players.

To be able to be dominant in different conditions (to the ones) you’re brought up in, I’ve seen him first-hand be able to do that.

The great players are also very strong mentally. You’ve only got to look at when he plays, how long he bats for in Test matches, how he controls the innings in one-day games, how he’s sort of got the ability to go up and down the gears as a batsman when the game and the situation needs him to.

So how far can Babar go in the context of Pakistan greats? Ponting believes there’s no reason why he can’t be stood at the very top, even in a pantheon of such greats. He’s on the upward curve now to maybe go down as the all-time greatest. I know there’s Inzamam (ul-Haq) and Younis Khan and those sorts of guys who’ve got more runs than him.

By the time he’s finished, his numbers I’m sure will stack up along with the very best Pakistan has produced, which will be great for him, but also all the cricket fans around the world who enjoy watching him play.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 28 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

More like this
Related

Saim, bowlers script Pakistan’s consolation win over Afghanistan

SHARJAH: Young left-handed opener Saim Ayub’s sensible 49-run knock and a combined dominant effort by the bowlers led Pakistan to a consolation victory in the third T20I...

Bangladesh thrashes Ireland by 22 runs after Taskin burst

CHITTAGONG: Taskin Ahmed claimed three wickets in an over as Bangladesh kept their cool to beat Ireland by 22 runs in a rain-affected first Twenty20 international in Chittagon...

‘Naya Nazimabad Ramadan Football Cup starts’

Karachi: 3rd Naya Nazimabad Ramadan Cup Floodlights Football Tournament has started. Provincial Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah inaugurated the tournament by kick...

Saka shines as England dismiss Ukraine in Euro qualifier

LONDON: Gareth Southgate hailed “ruthless” Bukayo Saka as the England forward’s breathtaking goal inspired a 2-0 win against Ukraine that maintained his side...
Need Help? Chat with us