Jason Gillespie Backs Babar Azam Amid Ongoing Lean Patch

Pakistan Test coach Jason Gillespie is optimistic about Babar Azam returning to form despite his struggles in recent series. Gillespie believes Babar will soon make significant scores. The batsman has faced criticism after below-par performances since last year's ODI World Cup in India.

Pakistan Test coach Jason Gillespie has thrown his support behind Babar Azam, confident that the standout player will regain his form after a series of disappointing performances. Azam has faced difficulties accumulating runs since the conclusion of the ODI World Cup in India last year.

Post the World Cup, Azam stepped down from captaincy but later returned as Pakistan's white-ball skipper ahead of the T20 World Cup. His troubles with the bat continued during the home Test series against Bangladesh, drawing criticism from both fans and former cricketers.

Despite the lean patch, Gillespie remains hopeful. 'Babar is a quality player, world-class. He is very close. I feel it. I am confident we'll see him scoring big runs soon. He probably hasn't converted the starts he has got,' Gillespie stated at a press conference.

The ODI World Cup aftermath saw Pakistan touring Australia for a Test series, where they were comprehensively whitewashed. Azam, among others, was scrutinized for his inconsistent performance. In the three Tests, he scored just 126 runs at an average of 21.

Before the T20 World Cup, Pakistan's tour of England saw Azam accumulate a modest 68 runs in two T20Is. The World Cup itself was another disappointment, with Azam scoring 122 runs at an average of 40.66 but facing backlash for his strike rate of 101.66.

Currently battling a lean patch in the ongoing series against Bangladesh, where he has scored just 64 runs in four innings, Azam is eager to find his form before Pakistan's next series against England. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)