Australia captain Steven Smith backed Babar Azam to overcome his poor form but avoided giving direct advice, acknowledging that all players go through tough phases. Steven Smith also dodged a question about predicting the Champions Trophy semi-finalists, emphasising the tournament’s competitiveness.
Australia captain Steven Smith was surprised when asked to offer a piece of advice to Pakistan star Babar Azam, who has been struggling for form and fluency in international cricket. Speaking to the press on the eve of Australia’s Champions Trophy opener against Ashes rivals England, Steven Smith was questioned about what Babar needed to do to regain his confidence.
Babar Azam’s lacklustre performance vs NZ in front of home crowd has raised questions about his ability as a batter
Babar Azam came up with a lacklustre performance in front of his home crowd in Karachi during Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 defeat to New Zealand. Expectations were high for Pakistan in their first ICC tournament match at home in 29 years, but Babar Azam’s sluggish knock (64 off 90 deliveries) was one of the key factors behind their 60-run loss. The Pakistan top order, including Babar Azam, faced scrutiny for their lack of intent while chasing a steep target of 321.
The 30-year-old Babar Azam, who has more than 6000 runs at an average of 55.81 in ODIs, hasn’t been in great form of late. Babar Azam has been getting decent runs but his strike rate has been a big concern. Even in the first match of the 2025 Champions Trophy, Pakistan were set a target of 321 and Babar Azam scored 64, but it took him 90 deliveries to get those runs.
In the same innings, Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah scored 111 runs between them at a strike rate of close to 150. Pakistan fell short by 60 runs, and Babar Azam was heavily criticised for his slow innings.
Steve Smith sidestepped the query but backed Babar to find a way through this challenging phase in his career, adding that even the best players experience periods of poor form.
Australia star Steve Smith is looking forward to seeing under-fire Babar Azam amongst runs in Champions Trophy 2025
Stand-in Australian captain Steve Smith has opened up on Babar Azam’s struggle for form in recent times. With the former Pakistan captain garnering widespread criticism after the defending champions’ crushing loss in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener, Smith hopes to see the star batter back in form.
Babar Azam, viewed as the lynchpin of Pakistan’s batting line-up, came under fire for scoring only 64 runs off 90 deliveries during the 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the tournament opener. With the Men in Green chasing 321 for victory, the 30-year-old’s lack of intent has been lamented as the most decisive factor in Pakistan’s loss.
Speaking ahead of Australia’s Champions Trophy game against England, Smith said gaining and losing form is part of the game. As quoted by CricketPakistan.pk, he stated:
“Look, he’s a quality player. He’s had a really good career so far. He’s got all the time in the world, the way he plays, he’s got a solid technique. He’s got a good head on his shoulders,” said Smith when he was asked to share some words of advice for Babar ahead of Australia’s first game of the Champions Trophy against England in Lahore.
“He maybe hasn’t scored as many runs as he would have liked in the last little bit. We’re all guilty of that at stages throughout our careers, don’t worry, but yeah, look, he’s a wonderful player.” concluded Smith
Babar Azam , who was dethroned as the No. 1 ranked ODI batter before the Champions Trophy began, hasn’t scored a ton in internationals since August 2023. All eyes will be on Babar Azam when Pakistan face arch-rivals India in a do-or-die match in Dubai on Sunday. Pakistan are in danger of an early Champions Trophy exit after their 60-run defeat to New Zealand dented their Net Run Rate. Another loss, this time to India, could knock them out of the eight-team tournament.