Babar Azam appointed new Pakistan test captain

Pakistan removed the test captaincy from Azhar Ali and gave it to Babar Azam on Tuesday, according to The Associated Press.

Azam’s promotion means the 26-year-old batsman leads Pakistan in all three formats — one-day internationals, Twenty20s and test matches.

Ali led Pakistan in eight tests since he was appointed captain last year.

He won two home test matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, but lost in Australia 2-0 and in England 1-0.

Apparently, Ali’s defensive approach as captain — especially against England —led to his removal.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani hinted that Ali, who opens in tests, could still be part of the test squad when the team leaves for New Zealand for two tests this month.

“I believe Azhar still has a lot of cricket left in him and Pakistan cricket can continue to make the best use of his experience and knowledge as a specialist top-order batsman moving forward,” Mani said in a statement, cited by The Associated Press.

Azam has been Pakistan’s most accomplished batsman in all three formats.

His leadership qualities have also impressed Mani, who has the authority to appoint captains.