'As a cricketer, you go through these phases' - Salman Agha backs Babar Azam to overcome lean patch

Babar Azam got himself a start in the first innings of the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh but failed to make it count. After Stumps on Day 2, Pakistan all-rounder Salman Agha said that the talismanic batter would overcome his dry patch with the willow soon.

Babar was dismissed by Shakib Al Hasan for a watchful 31 off 77 balls. This was the right-handed batter's 15th consecutive innings without registering a half-century. Babar recently slipped down six places in the ICC Test rankings for batters but Agha noted that he is a world-class batter and has been very consistent in the last five years.

"Babar Azam is a world-class player. As a cricketer, you go through these phases. He has scored consistently throughout the last five years. Soon, we will see him scoring big runs for Pakistan again," Agha was quoted as saying by India Today.

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Unlike the first Test, where the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium produced a placid surface, the second Test is being held on a lively track at the same venue as bowlers are getting a considerable amounts of assistance. Mehidy Hasan Miraz starred with figures of 5/61 after Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first on Saturday, August 31. Taskin Ahmed also bagged a three-for on his return to the format after more than a year. Meanwhile, Nahid Rana and Shakib chipped in with a wicket apiece as Pakistan were bowled out for 274.

Taskin was stoked upon producing a fine effort with the ball in his comeback game. He also spoke about his special in-swinger, which cleaned up Abdullah Shafique in the first over.

“It’s great to be back in red-ball cricket after 1½ years. I really enjoyed it. I struggled a bit, but I’ll be fine for the second innings. That wicket was particularly enjoyable for me because I had set him up. They have a very good bowling side as well, and my advice to our batters is to ‘make the new ball old and then you will benefit,'" Taskin said.

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For the hosts, opener Saim Ayub top-scored with a 110-ball 58. Captain Shan Masood (57) and Salman (54) also registered fluent half-centuries. Bangladesh finished Day 2 at 10/0 after safely negotiating two overs of play.