Babar Azam, who has been facing a dip in form, is set to be dropped from the Pakistani squad for the second Test against England. This decision comes after the embarrassing defeat in the first Test, in which Babar's string of low scores continued. While captain Shan Masood and Test coach Jason Gillespie have shown public support for Babar, the newly formed selection committee has recommended dropping him for the upcoming match. It is believed that time away from cricket could benefit Babar, who has not scored a Test half-century since December 2020, and he may also miss out on playing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
Babar Azam to be Dropped from Pakistan Test Squad Amidst Dip in Form
Pakistan's batting superstar, Babar Azam, is facing a major setback in his career as he is set to be omitted from the squad for the second Test against England. This decision comes on the heels of Pakistan's humiliating defeat in the first Test, where Babar's poor form continued with a string of low scores.
Background:
Babar Azam has been Pakistan's most consistent batter in recent years, leading the team in both Tests and ODIs. However, his form has taken a significant dip since December 2020, when he last scored a Test half-century. In the recently concluded first Test against England, Babar scored just 27 runs in two innings.
Decision to Drop Babar Azam:
Despite public support from captain Shan Masood and Test coach Jason Gillespie, the newly appointed selection committee has recommended dropping Babar for the second Test. This decision is based on concerns over his ongoing struggles with form and the belief that time away from cricket could be beneficial for the batter.
Impact on Babar Azam:
The decision to drop Babar Azam is a major setback for the batter, who has been the backbone of Pakistan's batting line-up in recent years. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to regain his form and return to the team soon.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Why is Babar Azam being dropped from the Test squad?
Answer: Babar Azam is being dropped due to his dip in form, having not scored a Test half-century since December 2020.
2. Who will replace Babar Azam in the squad?
Answer: The replacement for Babar Azam has not been announced yet, but it is expected to be a specialist batter.
3. How long will Babar Azam be out of the team?
Answer: The duration of Babar Azam's absence from the team is unclear at this time.
4. Is Babar Azam also being dropped from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy?
Answer: There is no official confirmation yet on whether Babar Azam will miss out on the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
5. What are the chances of Babar Azam regaining his form?
Answer: Babar Azam is a world-class player with a proven track record of success. It is expected that he will work hard to regain his form and return to the team soon.
The second day of the first Test between South Africa and Bangladesh saw a dominant performance by the Proteas, led by Kyle Verreynne's century. Despite a few hiccups, South Africa ended the day with the first-innings advantage, thanks to Verreynne and Dane Piedt's strong stand. Bangladeshi batsmen struggled against the South African bowlers, but Mahmudul Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim's partnership brought stability to their team before the close of the day.
Mumbai's selection panel has dropped Prithvi Shaw from their team for the Ranji Trophy game against Tripura due to his lack of attendance at practice sessions and being overweight. The 24-year-old, who scored a hundred in his debut Test against West Indies, has faced off-field issues and injuries that have hindered his career progress. Former Australia player Ricky Ponting, who worked with Shaw at Delhi Capitals, also spoke about the batter's problems. Shaw's attitude and weight issues seem to have cost him potential spots in both domestic and national teams.
The eleventh season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL 11) is underway and the excitement is palpable. With all the teams playing their opening games and no draws yet, the competition is fiercer than ever. After securing a hard-fought win against Bengal Warriors, the Jaipur Pink Panthers will face off against Telugu Titans, who have a mixed record so far. The Pink Panthers will look to continue their momentum, while the Titans will aim for a comeback after a loss to Tamil Thalaivas. With a history of close matches between the two teams, this is definitely not one to miss.
The former Australian opener, who announced his retirement earlier this year, has expressed his willingness to return to the national team for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. With Australia needing a strong start in the series, Warner's availability could prove to be a game changer. The 37-year-old pointed out that he has had a similar preparation as the other players and will use his time in the Sheffield Shield to regain his form and fitness.
Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich is set to face his former coach, Hansi Flick, when his current team takes on FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. With his contract expiring soon, Kimmich has been linked to the Catalan giants for over a year. The player himself has admitted that this match will be special for him, not only because of his potential transfer, but also due to the reunion with Flick, who played a pivotal role in his growth as a versatile player. Kimmich also compared his former teammate, Robert Lewandowski, with his current teammate, Harry Kane, highlighting the different styles they bring to their respective teams.
After suffering their first defeat of the season to Bournemouth, Arsenal are gearing up to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the newly revamped Champions League League Phase. The Gunners may be without Bukayo Saka due to a hamstring injury, while captain Martin Ødegaard is also currently unfit. As both teams fight for a top spot in the league, fans can catch the match for free.
Bangladesh is fighting to save the first Test against South Africa as they reached 101-3 at stumps, still needing 101 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Mahmudul Hasan Joy (38) and Mushfiqur Rahim (31) showed resilience and remained unbeaten at the end of play, with their 42-run stand for the fourth wicket. Additionally, Mushfiqur became the first Bangladeshi to cross 6,000 career Test runs. South Africa's Kyle Verreynne's century helped the visitors secure a 202-run lead with a total of 308 in their first innings.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) in England has proposed a non-contact version of rugby to be introduced in schools as a way to tackle declining youth participation and concerns over head injuries. An independent review found that many schools with strong rugby traditions are no longer playing the sport due to safety concerns. This move aims to make the game more accessible and inclusive, while still retaining traditional elements such as line-outs and scrums. The RFU also plans to continue offering full-contact rugby for older players.
Glasgow, Scotland has been selected to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, bringing the multi-sport event back to their city after a successful 2014 run. With a focus on accessibility and showcasing top athletes, Glasgow 2026 will feature a compact programme of 10 sports across four venues. The event is expected to bring in over £100 million in investment and is set to have a unique branding that highlights the Commonwealth Games' role in the larger Commonwealth Sport Movement.
Central Coast Mariners are looking to turn around their underwhelming start in the AFC Champions League as they face off against Shanghai Port, managed by former A-League title winner, Kevin Muscat. With both teams desperate for a win, the stakes are high as Mariners coach, Mark Jackson, remains confident after their recent A-League draw against Melbourne Victory. However, Port will be looking to bounce back after a costly defeat in the Chinese Super League, slipping to second place in the standings.