Wasim wants Babar to command national Test squad too

Web Desk — Pakistan’s pace legend and former captain Wasim Akram backs white-ball skipper Babar Azam to also take over the test team’s captaincy from the New Zealand tour and urged him to be more assertive. Azam, who captains the one-day and T-20 national teams, is the top contender to replace current Test skipper Azhar Ali ahead of Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand.    “You ask me as a former player, yes, I back Babar to become Test captain because he is our future and he can continue for a long time,” Akram said on YouTube channel ‘Cricket Baaz’. “If the PCB appoints him they should for a proper time so that at least there is no confusion as to who is in charge of the dressing room.” The former left-armer also brushed aside the notion that the burden of captaincy will affect Azam’s batting. “He is our best player and people who say that making him Test captain will affect his batting, don’t buy that because he is a batsman and it is his job to score runs,” he said. “Aren’t Virat Kohli or Kane Williamson also captains and top batsmen?” he Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce a new Test captain on November 11 to replace Azhar Ali, who will, however, remain a part of the 35-member jumbo squad for the New Zealand tour.