'I am highly hopeful of performing' - Babar Azam on playing first-ever Test at home ground

After the first two Test matches resulting in a draw, Pakistan will take on Australia in the series decider to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. To note, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam will play his first-ever Test match at his home ground and has expressed his happiness over it. The third Test match between the home side Pakistan and visitors Australia is slated to start from March 21 (Monday). To note, Gaddafi Stadium is hosting a Test after a gap of 13 years.

Babar, who played his highest Test innings (196 off 425 balls) in last match, will play the 40th match of his Test career and his first at the home venue. The 27-year-old has opined that the feeling is unexplainable. The skipper has also expressed his confidence that a result will surely come against the mighty Australians in the third Test match.

I cannot explain this feeling: Babar Azam

“I can’t explain this feeling. Playing in front of the home crowd is a different feeling, I am highly hopeful of performing and most importantly winning the match for Pakistan. Definitely, it means a lot. If you win against Australia in a home series, it would be a proud moment for us as a team, and the way our side is improving day by day, it will give us a lot of confidence. Our mindset will be to win, rest is in Allah’s hands,” Babar was quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

Expressing his thoughts on the Lahore wicket Babar said, “I think the ball will turn here for sure, the cracks are not quite open, they are very little. And in that case, spinners get help and there will be rough patches. I think the wicket will play differently as compared to Karachi.”

Talking about Babar’s Test cricket numbers, the 27-year-old has played 39 matches in which he has amassed a total of 2729 runs. The right-handed-batter has an outstanding average of 45.48. He also has 13 fifties and six centuries under his name.