Waugh in favour of dropping Babar Azam for Sixers’ must-win clash

Former Australian batter Steve Waugh has suggested that the Sydney Sixers drop Babar Azam for their do-or-die game against the Hobart Hurricanes. The Sixers will play the Hurricanes in the Challenger, with the winner advancing to play the Perth Scorchers in the final. 

Sixers’ batting woes

Talking about the Sixers’ batting issues, which were largely behind their defeat against the Scorchers in Qualifier 1, Waugh said the team needs to be reshuffled. He also pointed out that the team relies heavily on Steve Smith to do the heavy lifting. 

“I think a bit of tough love. They need to rejiggle their batting because, at the moment, they are almost totally reliant on Steve Smith,” Waugh said.

Sam Curran, Sydney’s English import, has left the side for national duty. But his departure will further dent their hopes. Curran bailed the Sixers out of a tough spot against the Brisbane Heat in a high-stakes clash. In his absence, Waugh thinks, the talent pool shrinks significantly. 

“Sam Curran got them out of jail in another game. He’s gone. So at the moment, there aren’t a lot of players in form.”

“So, I’m bringing in either Daniel Hughes or Jordan Silk. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to drop Babar Azam,” Waugh added.

Babar’s dismal numbers

On top of that, Babar Azam’s form in the BBL has been way below par. Pakistan batter averages 22 with a pedestrian strike rate of 103. In his last two games, his returns of 1 and 0 were even more baffling, given that each of those games had plenty riding on them.

“You know, I don’t think he’s done enough at the top of the order. I know he’s world-class, but when you’re thinking about winning this tournament, so far he just hasn’t delivered.”

“So I’m thinking about a new opener. You can either have Moises Henriques to open, or bring in Daniel Hughes or Jordan Silk, one of those two. That’s the way I’m thinking,” he said.

Babar is the only Pakistan player who has survived the BBL this far, though his contributions haven’t been noteworthy. Besides the Sixers’ fate, Babar’s form will also affect his presence in Pakistan’s long-term T20I plans. 

 

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