Q. How do you think about Babar Azam’s spot in the fabfive?
Ayaz: According to me, this series is very important for Azam’s career; if he does well, he will be counted among the fab-five. If he makes 250 runs in this series, he will be seen as someone who has mastered England’s swing conditions as well. Babar has already played well on the bouncy wicket of Australia, and as well as against India.
Q. Do you believe that if you go and score in England, you will be considered a big batsman?
Anshuman: This is absolutely true, although the pitch has changed a bit now, there is no swing as before, yet I believe that if you score runs in England, then you are a complete batsman. You see, how Babar Azam is scoring runs. You would not like to say at all that he should not be put in the top five.
Q. Would you give the fifth spot to Rohit Sharma or Babar Azam?
Anshuman: I would like to give place to Rohit Sharma.
Q. Do you agree with Anshuman?
Ayaz: I think Babar is up against the fiercest bowling attack of the time — Anderson-Broad duo. Even Warner could not get enough runs in England. Warner merely scored a century in these conditions lately.
Q. What is your take on this, Rajkumar Sharma?
Rajkumar: Babar Azam is a great player. I have seen his England innings; he is a very good batsman. The confidence with which he plays is commendable.
I would like Babar Azam to be in the top five because he is far ahead of Rohit Sharma in the Test. I believe Rohit Sharma is the best ODI batsman in the world and he has done this in the short format.
However, he is yet to prove himself in Test cricket wherein Babar has already succeeded in making a mark.
Q. Anshuman, what are your views about Babar’s batting?
Anshuman: I have no doubt about his class. However, I believe that we must let him play a little more and give him some more space. Nevertheless, I am not against giving him a place in the top five right now, I just want him to prove a little more.
Q. Would you choose your top five batsmen?
Rajkumar: I would list: Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Babar Azam.
Ayaz: I absolutely agree with Rajkumar; however, if Rohit starts proving himself in the Tests, I am afraid there is a need for fab-six!
Anshuman: I agree with both of you!