PAK vs ENG: Babar Azam becomes first Pakistan player in six years to complete 1000 Test runs in calendar year

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam might not have much to cheer about when it comes to collective performances this year but he has succeeded in achieving individual excellence on the 22 yards by amassing 1000 Test runs in the ongoing calendar year. Babar achieved this feat in the just-concluded third Test match against England at the National Bank Arena in Karachi.

Azam, thus, became the first Pakistan player in six years to amass 1000 Test runs in a calendar year and the fourth batter to reach the milestone in 2022. The Pakistan captain achieved this feat when he reached 45 during Pakistan’s second innings. He was eventually dismissed for 54.

Babar Azam achieves individual excellence in Test cricket this year

Azam, 28, showcased consistent performances by registering half-centuries in both innings of Karachi Test. He had scored 78 in the first innings before an unfortunate run out brought his stay at the crease to an abrupt end.

Others in this elite list include the likes of former Test skipper Joe Root, his teammate Jonny Bairstow and Australian Test opener Usman Khawaja. Bairstow takes the third position having amassed 1061 runs in 10 Tests while Khawaja occupies the second spot having scored 1079 runs from as many matches.

Root is sitting at the top having amassed 1098 runs from 15 Tests this year. Notably, Babar Azam who is currently placed at the fourth spot on this list having scored 1009 runs in eight red-ball outings has one more chance to surpass Root when Pakistan face New Zealand in the first Test match in Karachi on December 26.

The other Pakistani players to score more than 1000 Test runs in a calendar year include the likes of Mohammad Yousuf who had scored 1788 runs in 2006, Inzamam-ul-Haq (1090 runs in 2000), Mohsin Khan (1029 runs in 1982) and Azhar Ali (1198 runs in 2016).

Iconic batter Younis Khan has succeeded in reaching this milestone twice having amassed 1179 runs in 2006 and 1064 runs in 2014.