Pakistan v England 2022/23

Watch: ‘Stand and deliver’ – Babar Azam nails ‘classic cover drive’, to Nasser Hussain’s delight

by Wisden Staff December 3, 2022 - 5:18pm 3 minute read

Watch: Babar Azam stood and delivered, nailing a classic cover drive after reaching another century – much to Nasser Hussain’s delight on commentary.

Pakistan’s captain racked up a third Test match century of 2022 on day three against England in Rawalpindi, punishing England’s bowlers who received little help from the surface. Babar has been in prolific form this year, statistically his best in Test match cricket, averaging 79.70 across ten innings.

His hundred today was his first against England, and came off 126 balls with 13 fours and a six. He kicked on after passing the milestone to take advantage of the favourable conditions, reaching 117 off 146. Looking to accelerate against the seamers bowling with an old ball, Babar unfurled his classical cover drive against Ollie Robinson.

Leaning into a full length delivery, he picked up another boundary, threading the ball between England’s fielders Ben Stokes and Zak Crawley – winning praise from Hussain on commentary. “Classic cover drive, classic, ” he opined. “He does not move, Babar Azam, he knows that’s a four. Stand and deliver.”

Babar was finally dismissed by Will Jacks for 136, chopping the ball in the air to point. Pakistan also lost Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah towards the end of the day, finishing seven wickets down and still 158 runs behind.