The upcoming Test Tour of Australia holds immense significance for several Pakistani players on the brink of significant milestones. Saud Shakeel, an emerging left-handed middle-order batsman, stands within touching distance of 1000 Test runs, needing 125 more runs to match Vinod Kambli’s record of reaching this milestone in 14 innings. His promising start suggests this milestone is within reach.
Babar Azam, the former captain and linchpin of Pakistan’s batting, aims to cross the 4000-run mark in Test cricket, a mere 228 runs away. Additionally, a scant 14 runs would position him among Pakistan’s elite, joining the likes of Javed Miandad, Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, and Inzamam-ul-Haq in the 13000-run club in international cricket. His recent relief from captaincy duties might amplify his performance in this series.
Nauman Ali, the left-arm spinner, eyes the prestigious 50-wicket milestone in Tests, needing just three more scalps to achieve this feat. His contributions with the ball have been vital, and this milestone would further solidify his place among Pakistan’s left-arm spinners.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, the seasoned wicket-keeper batsman, aims to equal Kamran Akmal’s record for the most centuries as a wicketkeeper-batsman for Pakistan in Tests. His recent stellar form in domestic cricket indicates he could potentially achieve this milestone, bolstering Pakistan’s middle order in the series.
With these milestones at stake, the Test series against Australia not only promises riveting cricket but also the potential for Pakistan’s players to etch their names in the annals of cricket history.
