The two-Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is slated to get underway on July 16 in Galle.
This series will also mark the beginning of Pakistan's campaign in the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.
Ahead of the series, an uncensored video of Pakistan skipper Babar Azam’s net session has gone viral on social media.
In the video posted by Cricket Pakistan on Twitter, Babar can be seen playing shots in both directions of the wicket and also telling the person delivering throwdown to surprise him with bouncers.
Babar was at his animated best throughout the 1 minute 28 seconds long clip. The video starts with him saying “Allah” just after leaving a ball outside the off-stump. After mistiming a shot, the Pakistan captain was heard saying “Babar day bachay” loudly.
On occasions, Babar Azam also appreciated some of his shots as he can be heard saying “Haye Haye” right after hitting the ball towards mid-on, or the “oye lala” remark after producing a pull shot towards square leg.
Babar also interacted with the person giving throwdown, instructing him “bouncer apni marzi se maro,” before adding “woh poochke thori karaienge (the opposition won't ask me before bowling a bouncer.)”
Here’s the video:
Notably, Pakistan endured a dismal campaign in the WTC 2021-23 cycle, failing to register a single home win. In fact, the Babar Azam-led side won only one Test out of nine in the past year, while conceding series to Australia and England at home.
As a result, Babar’s captaincy in the longest format has come under the scanner and he certainly has a point to prove in the Test series against Sri Lanka.