Innings in England changed my approach to Test, says Babar Azam

Ranking in the top five in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20Is, Pakistan top order batsman Babar Azam has already established himself among the best players with the bat in limited overs cricket.

However, his lack of runs in Test cricket were a bit of concern for many, but the youngster is finally finding his place in the game’s purest format after consistent performances in recent months.

"The innings I played in Ireland and England [back-to-back fifties in May] gave me a lot of confidence, because playing in and performing in those conditions changed my mindset to approaching Test cricket quite a bit," Babar told ESPNcricinfo.

"How to build your innings, how to survive, how to score runs etc. I took a lot from that experience and continued that in Dubai, and hopefully maintain that here too," he added. Azam continued to flourish in the coming months, as he scored 99 against Australia and weeks later hit his maiden century against the New Zealand.

Talking about the tour of South Africa, the batsman revealed that he had been told by the Head coach Mickey Arthur and batting coach Grant Flower that facing the initial deliveries well is very crucial in South African conditions.

"If you play those out well, you will bat well. If, early on, you survive, it gets easier to bat and improves your opportunity of making a big score,” said Babar.