Pakistan’s cricket star Babar Azam is on the verge of achieving a significant milestone as the World Test Championship (WTC) progresses. On October 7, Babar will return to action in the first Test of the three-match series against England in Multan. Having recently stepped down as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Babar now has the chance to focus entirely on his batting, aiming to break records and further cement his legacy in Test cricket.
Babar Azam’s Pursuit of 3,000 WTC Runs
As Pakistan’s leading Test batsman, Babar Azam has already accumulated an impressive 2,725 runs in 56 innings, boasting an average of 52.4. His career includes eight centuries and 15 fifties. As Pakistan faces England, Babar needs only 275 more runs to become the first Pakistani player to surpass 3,000 runs in the WTC—a prestigious club currently consisting of only four other players.
If Babar manages to score those 275 runs during this series, he will join elite company, including England’s Joe Root, Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Ben Stokes. With potentially six innings to play over the course of the series, Babar has a favorable chance of hitting this milestone.
Babar Outpacing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
What adds intrigue to Babar Azam’s journey is that while he is on the verge of reaching 3,000 runs, two of India’s top players, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have yet to achieve the same feat. Kohli, with 2,334 runs, and Rohit, sitting at 2,594 runs in the WTC, still have ground to cover. Although Rohit has the opportunity to cross the 3,000-run mark in India’s upcoming Test series against New Zealand, he would need to be in top form, requiring 406 runs to do so.
Kohli, who is further behind, needs more than 650 runs to reach the 3,000 milestone, which may take longer. This sets Babar up to surpass both Indian stars in the race for WTC dominance, further establishing him as one of the premier batsmen in the modern game.
A Crucial Test Series for Pakistan and England
The upcoming Pakistan vs. England Test series holds significant importance for both teams. Pakistan is seeking their first Test win on home soil in over three years, and Babar Azam is expected to play a pivotal role in leading his side to victory. This series presents Babar with the opportunity not only to reach personal milestones but also to inspire his team and make an impact on the WTC standings.
England, led by Ben Stokes, is equally determined to start the series on a strong note. With both Babar and England’s Joe Root targeting key milestones, fans can expect a thrilling contest between two of the best batsmen in the world. Root, already a member of the WTC 3,000-run club, remains a formidable Test player and will aim to further enhance his record.
The Legacy of Modern Batting Icons
For cricket enthusiasts, the race between modern-day greats like Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, and Steve Smith adds a fascinating dimension to the game. These players have consistently set new benchmarks across all formats, and their performances in the WTC .