March 2, 2026
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Published by Aeyan Raza
January 28, 2026
Australian captain Mitchell Marsh has showered praise on Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, calling him one of the best players in world cricket ahead of the upcoming three-match T20 International series in Lahore. Marsh said the series comes at a perfect time for both sides as they prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Speaking before the series opener, Marsh said matches against Pakistan always raise the competitive level and help teams test their plans under pressure. He described Babar Azam as a player he deeply respects, highlighting his consistency, class, and impact across formats.
“Babar is one of the best players in the world. Playing against players like him pushes you to be better,” Marsh said.
Marsh stressed that the series is more than just bilateral cricket. With the T20 World Cup set to be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, both teams are using the Pakistan tour to fine-tune combinations, assess bench strength, and sharpen strategies.
He added that competitive cricket against Pakistan, especially in their home conditions, will be invaluable for Australia’s preparations.
The Australian skipper also shared his excitement about touring Pakistan, admitting he was surprised by the cold weather in Lahore. He praised Pakistan’s long-standing reputation for producing world-class fast bowlers and said Australia is ready for a tough challenge.
“Pakistan always has quality fast bowlers, and playing them in their conditions is a great test,” he said.
Australia’s 17-member squad has arrived in Lahore, though Marsh and Josh Inglis may miss the opening T20I. In their absence, Travis Head is expected to lead the side in the first match.
The three-match T20I series will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, with matches scheduled for January 29, January 31, and February 1. Tosses will take place at 5:30 pm PKT, while matches begin at 6:00 pm PKT.
With the World Cup just weeks away, this series offers both teams a final chance to iron out weaknesses and build momentum. Fans can expect high-intensity cricket, star players in action, and valuable insights into how both sides are shaping up for the global tournament.
