Babar Azam consults with Australian power-hitting coach Shannon Young
Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Babar Azam, recently met with Australia’s leading power-hitting coach Shannon Young in Lahore. The meeting took place at a local cricket club during Young’s private visit to Pakistan. Babar sought Young’s expertise to enhance his power-hitting abilities, crucial for modern-day cricket.
Shannon Young is renowned for his work with Australia’s aggressive opening batter, Jake Fraser-McGurk, who credits Young for his power-hitting prowess. Young has also coached established Australian players like Glenn Maxwell and Marnus Labuschagne, making him a highly sought-after coach in the cricketing world.
Upon returning from the United States, Babar Azam commenced his physical training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore last week. Despite the scorching heat, the right-handed batter dedicated two hours to focus on his fitness, underlining his commitment to improving his game.
In a recent declaration, Babar Azam confirmed his availability for the upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh. This announcement comes as a relief to fans eager to see their star player in action in the longer format of the game.
Before the Bangladesh Tests, Babar Azam will participate in Global T20 Canada 2024, representing the Vancouver Knights. The fourth season of the GT20 will take place from July 25 to August 11, featuring six teams competing at TD Cricket Arena in Brampton.
Azam has faced criticism recently for his batting and captaincy following Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. The team’s performance in the tournament was disappointing, with significant defeats against the USA and arch-rivals India.
Pakistan’s early exit was further cemented by the abandonment of a crucial group-stage match between the USA and Ireland, ending their campaign prematurely. This marked the first time the 2009 champions were knocked out in the group stage of the T20 World Cup.
Despite the recent setbacks, Babar Azam remains a key figure in Pakistan cricket. His efforts to improve his power-hitting and fitness, along with his participation in international leagues, demonstrate his dedication to leading the team back to winning ways.
