Babar Azam has built his superstar status by plundering runs in the modern age of cricket but the Pakistan star was eager to soak in the history on offer during a visit to the MCG on Friday ahead of an intriguing one-day series against Australia.
In what has been a turbulent period for Pakistan, Azam has had much to consider ahead of the Melbourne Cup-eve one day international against Australia at the MCG that kickstarts the summer of cricket down under.
But the 30-year-old, who averages a stunning 67.33 runs against Australia in the 50-over format, cut a relaxed figure as he buzzed between exhibits in the Melbourne Cricket Club’s Long Room examining the bats used by the best of the best in world cricket.
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From Don Bradman to David Boon, Australian champions have donated bats to the exhibit. So, too, English greats Jack Hobbs and Mike Brearley, among others, while legends including Fox Cricket’s Brian Lara have also exhibited bats at the ground in recent years.
Azam is in the midst of an interesting period in his career, having recently relinquished Pakistan’s one day international captaincy before missing out on selection in the final two matches of his nation’s superb triumph over England in the recent Test series.
But he was genuinely moved by the invitation to donate the bat he used when representing Pakistan in the final of the 2022 World Cup at the MCG against England, describing it as a great honour for his willow to feature among those used by the greats of the game.
“Honestly it is an honour for me and this means a lot to me, because I played a World Cup final using this bat,” he said on Friday.
“I have a lot of good memories at the MCG … and playing a lot of cricket here, one day and Test matches, it is one of the best grounds in my life. It means a lot to me and there are (bats of) a lot of great players here, so this is an honour for me.”
In a brief chat with Fox Cricket as he posed for photographs in The Long Room, Azam said the Pakistan team was looking forward to the challenge ahead in one-day games in Melbourne on Monday, Adelaide on Friday and in Perth on Sunday.
The two nations will also meet in three T20 matches in Australia next week before the Border Gavaskar Trophy featuring India begins on November 22 in Perth.
Azam was full of praise for Jason Gillespie, the former Australian fast bowler who inherited the task of coaching Pakistan in the white ball series after South African Gary Kirsten resigned suddenly last week.
He said Gillespie, who coached Pakistan to a 2-1 series win over England in the recent Tests, had brought a positive mindset to the role.
“(He brings a) lot of positive vibes,” Azam said.
“We have discussed a lot of good things and he knows the conditions over here, (having) played a lot of cricket here, because he lived here. This has helped me a lot, (and) for everyone.”
The ODI series is considered a crucial preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy to be held next February and similarly to Australia, Pakistan will be eyeing a strong showing ahead of the tournament.
“We are looking forward to the Champions Trophy because we have 10 to 15 one day matches (to come) and we are trying to do our best to utilise this series and the (other) series,” he said.
“We have a good bunch of players — a senior and junior combination — and we are very excited to play here,” he said.
“I (have) just played a lot of cricket (here) and I love playing here, because the ball comes on very nicely. I just believe in myself and just execute my plans because here, if you are set, there are a lot of runs (to be scored) here.”
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