West Indies vs Pakistan, 1st Test: Pakistan national cricket team will once again brace for life under Babar Azam in Test cricket as the sub-continent nation began their preparation for the two-Test tour of the West Indies later this month. With the right-handed batter set to kickstart his second stint as Pakistan’s Test captain, he was seen playing some stunning shots in his first training session since taking charge again.
West Indies vs Pakistan, 1st Test: What is Babar Azam’s record as Test captain?
His first stint as captain lasted from 2021 to 2023. While it began with a commanding home series victory over South Africa, it took a massive plunge, beginning with a 3-0 whitewash at home against England in late 2022, which was preceded by another 1-0 series defeat to Australia. In 20 Tests, the Lahore-born cricketer has managed only 10 wins alongside six defeats. While Babar’s recent returns with the bat in red-ball cricket has left a lot to be desired, he has performed well as captain. In 20 matches, he accumulated 1727 runs, averaging 50.79 with four tons alongside a best of 196.
Below is the video of Pakistan’s training session:
BABAR AZAM LEADS HIS FIRST TRAINING SESSION AS PAKISTAN’S TEST CAPTAIN. 🇵🇰pic.twitter.com/Jdas4Rj1dT
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) July 9, 2026
With the West Indies recently winning a Test series in Sri Lanka and riding high on confidence, the tourists must put their best foot forward to beat the Caribbeans. Moreover, Babar must be at the top of his game with the bat to ensure Pakistan perform well. The sub-continent nation is also languishing at the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, winning only 1 Test out of 4.
West Indies vs Pakistan, 1st Test: What did Babar Azam ahead of his second tenure as captain?
Speaking in PCB’s in-house digital interview released on Monday, the 31-year-old believes his past experience should keep him in good stead to lead. He said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo:
“It is an honour for me to be leading Pakistan again. I have learned from my past experience of leading the side and playing as a player. I am very confident this time and I feel I have improved and matured. So, I will be leading this team with better planning and a positive mindset this time around … There were negatives and positives in my last tenure, which I analysed and it provided me clarity. My main focus is on discipline, fitness, and performance and there would be no compromise on them.”
The first Test against the West Indies begins on July 25 at Tarouba.
