New Delhi: Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has come under heavy scrutiny after the latter dropped a sitter which could have seen the end of English batsman Joe Root on Day 4. The mistake proved costly for Pakistan, as Root capitalized on the lifeline to score a double century, leading England into a commanding position in the match.
The dropped chance came on Day 4 when Root was batting on 186. Facing the Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah, Root attempted a pull shot, mistiming it and the ball was sent straight up towards Babar Azam. The Pakistani batter was fielding in mid-wicket and ran to take the catch.
It appeared to be a regulation catch, but to the disbelief of his teammates and fans, Babar fumbled and let the opportunity slip. Root then went on to score his double hundred, helping England extend their first-innings total to a mammoth 658/3.
Babar trolled on social media!
Babar’s sluggish fielding received a lot of scrutiny on social media by Pakistani fans around the world. Apart from his fielding, Babar’s poor form with the bat in red ball has also come under the scanner with his inability to perform consistently in Tests turning out to be a headache for the team.
Babar Azam has dropped an absolute dolly.
– Naseem Shah can’t believe it. pic.twitter.com/raznGrvcVO
— 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞 (@CallMeSheri1) October 10, 2024
Some netizens have even accused Babar of ‘favouritism’ towards his favourite Indian batsman Joe Root. As England continued to dominate, Babar’s missed catch only deepened the sense of frustration for Pakistani supporters.
Babar Azam drop joe root catch bez joe root is his favourite player and he wants his double hundred.
What a great initiative by legend bobzy !!!#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/0E6WT6E8FD
— KING Birat Kohali 👑 (@IM_BIRAT_) October 10, 2024
One more easy catch dropped by Pakistan 😂#HarryBrook #ENGvsPAK #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/JADVfN3esx
— HomeLander_Raj (@RajHomelander) October 10, 2024