Babar Azam has added his bat to Melbourne Cricket Ground’s iconic Long Room collection before Pakistan’s first ODI against Australia at the same venue.
The former captain of the Pakistan cricket team took time off practice to wander through the corridors of the Long Room which displays bats from cricket icons like Don Bradman, David Boon, Jack Hobbs, Brian Lara and now Babar Azam.
Babar Azam was honored to be invited to add his own bat to the collection — the same bat he wielded in the 2022 T20I World Cup final at the MCG against England. He said,
It is an honor for me. This bat has memories; it was my bat during the World Cup final. Playing here, in one of the world’s great cricket grounds, is something special for me.
Speaking briefly to an Australian sports channel, Azam shared his excitement for the three-match ODI series while lauding his new coach Jason Gillespie.
“Jason brings a lot of positive vibes and good ideas,” Azam said. “He knows the conditions well, having played so much here, and it’s helping all of us.”
Despite a turbulent few months for Babar Azam, he remains one of the most respected batters in the world. The 30-year-old averages 67.33 in ODIs against Australia and will hope to get back into form ahead of Pakistan’s tour of South Africa after being rested for games against Zimbabwe.
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