Australian captain Mitchell Marsh has praised Pakistan star Babar Azam, calling him the best player as both teams prepare for a high-profile T20I series. The series is seen as crucial preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Speaking at the Pakistan-Australia T20 series trophy unveiling, Marsh said he has immense respect for Babar Azam. “I respect Babar Azam as a player a lot,” Marsh stated, highlighting Babar’s consistency and impact at the international level. He added that facing Pakistan’s strong lineup would challenge Australia and help fine-tune strategies for the upcoming World Cup.
Marsh expressed excitement about touring Pakistan and said he enjoyed arriving in Lahore. He shared a humorous moment, admitting he had underestimated Pakistan’s cold weather. “I did not expect it to be so cold here,” he said with a smile.
The Australian captain acknowledged Pakistan’s fast-bowling legacy, noting the team’s history of producing world-class pacers. “Pakistan’s fast bowlers have a memorable history, and we are ready for the challenge,” he added.
Despite a few absentees, Marsh said Australia is well-prepared for the series. The 17-member squad arrived in Lahore on Wednesday, with the three-match T20I series set to begin on Thursday at the Gaddafi Stadium. Reports suggest Marsh and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis may miss the first match, with Travis Head stepping in as captain.
The second and third T20Is will also be held at the Gaddafi Stadium on January 31 and February 1. Tosses are scheduled for 5:30 pm PKT, and play will start at 6:00 pm PKT. Both sides see the series in Pakistan as vital match practice ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
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Fans in Pakistan are eager to see high-quality cricket, with Marsh’s praise for Babar Azam adding to the anticipation of a competitive and exciting series.
