‘I try to copy AB de Villiers…’ – Babar Azam reveals his role model in an interview

As Pakistan gear up for a three-match test series against the 20-20 World Cup winners England starting on Thursday, skipper Babar Azam give an interview to Sky Sports Cricket’s Nasser Hussain to discuss his rise and how he started following former  South African legend AB De Villiers. 

Earlier before the 20-20 World Cup, England toured Pakistan for a seven-match T20I series in which the Three Lions emerged victorious. This series was one of those which can be remembered for a long time as both teams give their best and the result of this series came in the last match. 

“To be honest, my role model is AB de Villiers because I love him and the way he is playing and the way he is playing all the shots,” said Babar.

We are looking forward to a historic series: Babar Azam

“When I see him on the TV, the next day I am trying every shot in the net. I try to copy De Villiers and try to look and play like De Villiers because my ideal is everything he is.”

England will be travelling to Pakistan after 17 years, they last toured Pakistan for a red-ball tournament back in 2005. Babar also said that he and his men are all set to take on Brendon Mccullum’s side. 

“We are looking forward to a historic series and, first of all, welcome to the England team,” he added.

“I know a few of the boys already in the T20 format and a few new faces so I think they will enjoy it a lot, enjoy the conditions and the Pakistani hospitality. We are looking forward to the series and everyone is ready.”

Test Squads:

England: Ben Stokes (captain), James Anderson, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes (wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Keaton Jennings, Jack Leach, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood. 

Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain & wicketkeeper), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Zahid Mahmood.