Babar Azam 'confident to lead team well' in second Test captaincy stint

LAHORE: Pakistan's newly-appointed Test captain Babar Azam on Monday expressed confidence in leading the national team well, emphasising that he learnt a lot from his previous experience both as the skipper and the player.

Babar, who has previously led Pakistan in 20 Tests during his maiden captaincy stint that spanned from 2020 to 2023, replaced experienced top-order batter Shan Masood in the role, who could propel the national team to just four triumphs in 16 fixtures as the skipper.

During Masood's tenure, Pakistan lost 12 matches, including two 2-0 series defeats at the hands of Bangladesh, while his only series triumph as captain came against England in 2024.

On being reinstated as Pakistan's Test captain after three years, Babar, during an exclusive interview on Straight Drive with Salman Butt, termed getting the opportunity to lead the national team an honour.

Babar further asserted that he learnt a lot from his previous experience and thus was confident to lead the team with adequate planning and a positive mindset.

"Whenever you get the opportunity to captain Pakistan, it is always an honour," Babar said in an exclusive interview on Straight Drive with Salman Butt.

"I have learnt a lot from my previous experience as captain and also from the time I played as a player. With time, you gain maturity and clarity. I am confident that this time, with good planning and a positive mindset, I will lead the team well.

"As captain, you make good decisions, and sometimes you feel you could have done better. When you sit down and reflect, you get a clearer picture. I have rebuilt my mindset, brought more clarity into it and taken things positively.

Babar further shared that his primary focus during his second Test captaincy stint would be on discipline, fitness and performance, stressing these elements would be crucial for the team's progress.

"My main focus is on three things: discipline, fitness and performance. These will matter a lot for me as captain and for the team going forward," Babar said.

"Whenever I get the opportunity to lead, I always try to back the players, but I will not compromise on these three things," he added.

Babar's first assignment of his second Test captaincy stint will be a two-match away series against West Indies, scheduled to run from July 25 to August 6. Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-match series, set to be played from August 19 to September 13.

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Babar revealed that the team prepared according to the conditions they expect on the two tours and thus express confidence in the team for achieving success.

"We prepared according to the conditions we expect in the West Indies and England. The West Indies tour will be challenging, but we have prepared for it. In England, many of our players have county experience and understand the conditions, which will help us."