'Bobby this too shall pass' - Fans troll Babar Azam after another failure in Australia in boxing day Test

In an enthralling showdown at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia are squaring off against Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test, showcasing a gripping battle between bat and ball. Pakistan’s decision to bowl first on a pitch favouring pacers proved strategic as they managed to keep Australia in check on Day 1, restricting them to 187 runs for the loss of three wickets.

Day 2 witnessed a gripping resurgence from Pakistan's pacers, putting the brakes on Australia’s aspirations of a 400-plus total. Despite Australia’s ambitious aim, they concluded their innings at 318 runs, falling short of their intended mark. Pakistan, chasing a challenging 318, faced an early setback with opener Imam Ul Haq departing for a gritty 10 runs. His valiant effort against the aggressive Australian pacers couldn’t withstand the relentless onslaught.

However, Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood scripted a commendable partnership, steering Pakistan’s innings in a promising direction. The duo’s collaboration was cut short with the dismissal of Shafique, altering the course of the game. Babar Azam, former Pakistan captain enduring a rough patch since the Asia Cup 2023, entered the fray amidst mounting pressure.

Babar Azam’s nosedive in form continues

Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins, riding high on momentum after breaking the crucial partnership, unleashed a menacing over. Cummins’ third delivery proved to be a game-changer. With masterful precision, the ball pitched on a good length swerved back in, and breached Babar Azam’s defence, crashing into the off-stump. Babar, struggling to find form, departed after contributing only 1 run, leaving Cummins jubilant with his exquisite delivery.

After a lacklustre performance in the 2023 World Cup, Babar Azam stepped down as Pakistan's captain across all formats. Pakistan's fifth-place finish in the league stage, marked by a four-match losing streak, prompted this decision. His captaincy tenure concluded on a personal low as his batting form suffered, managing only 320 runs with a highest score of 74 in the tournament. Despite a stellar ODI average of 56.72 and 19 centuries, Babar's challenging World Cup campaign led to this significant decision for Pakistan cricket.

 Here's how 'X' users reacted to Babar Azam's dismissal: