Smith calls Babar Azam, Shaheen challenge for Australia in home Tests

Veteran Test batter Steve Smith has spoken highly of Pakistan captain Babar Azam and star pacer Shaheen Afridi, calling them the players the home side must ‘look out for’ when Pakistan tour Australia later this year. 

In a video shared by Cricket Australia, Steve Smith lauded the Pakistan skipper for his exceptional batting records and improvement over the years.

“Babar Azam is a wonderful player. In the last few years, he has got better and better. He is someone we have to look out for. He is dangerous, he makes big scores and he usually does it at a pretty good pace as well,” said Steve Smith.

Babar Azam is currently the fifth-ranked batter in the longest format, scoring 3696 runs in 47 Tests for Pakistan at an average of 48.6.

In the same breath, Steve Smith also praised the left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and warned that Australian batters had to be careful while facing him.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi, he came out here [Australia] last series. Since then, he’s got better and better. The ability to swing it back is obviously a big key for him so he’s certainly one we’ll have to look out for this year,” he said.

The right-hand batter also lauded the Pakistani cricket fans for coming out in numbers to support their team in every part of the world.

“Pakistan is such a proud cricketing nation. They have got supporters all around the world. Their fans come in numbers to watch the match which gives real excitement,” Steve Smith concluded.

Pakistan tour to Australia schedule

December 14-18: First Test, Perth Stadium

December 26-30: Second Test, Melbourne Cricket Ground

January 3-7: Third Test, Sydney Cricket Ground

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