Salman Butt Defends Babar Azam's Fitness Ahead of Tests

Former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt has defended captain Babar Azam amid ongoing fitness criticisms following the team's poor showing in the T20 World Cup 2024. Butt emphasized that Azam has performed admirably over the last two years, proving his fitness through consistent scoring. As Pakistan prepares for a two-Test series against Bangladesh starting August 21, Azam will bat at number four, while the team faces scrutiny over its fitness levels. Butt criticized the coaching staff for shifting focus to junior players instead of addressing the fitness of senior players, stating, 'Those who made errors are still there.' The series also marks Jason Gillespie's first assignment as Pakistan's Test coach, with the second Test set to take place in Karachi. Notably, the PCB has decided to hold the second Test without spectators due to renovations at the National Stadium.