Wicketkeeper tips Pakistan champion to come home with a rush as he finds his feet in BBL|15
Sydney Sixers veteran Josh Philippe has defended superstar international signing Babar Azam after a poor start to his highly-anticipated first BBL campaign.
Former Pakistan Test captain Azam arrived this summer as one of the biggest signings in the T20 league’s 15-year history.
No man has scored more T20I half-centuries than Azam, who has also made more runs in the Pakistan Super League than any other player.
But the 31-year-old has failed to crack double digits in either of his first two knocks for the Sixers, who have made a 0-2 start for only the third time in history.
Azam made two runs before pulling to a fielder at mid-on against Perth in his debut, then picked out a fielder when on nine in the loss to Adelaide on Wednesday night.
With only eight games left in the regular season, the Sixers are relying on their marquee man to hit his stride, preferably as soon as Saturday’s rivalry clash with the Sydney Thunder.
“He’s a world-class player,” wicketkeeper Philippe said.
“It’s probably challenging coming to Australia and these bouncy surfaces. But a couple of games under the belt, a few more sessions, he’ll be absolutely fine.
“His record is outstanding. I have no doubt he’ll be in the runs next game.”
Nor is Philippe panicking about the perennial heavyweights’ winless start to the campaign.
The last time the Sixers were winless after two matches was in 2022, but they lost only one more game for the regular season and progressed to a grand final qualifier.
“There’s certainly no panic around our group,” Philippe said.
The Sixers have been playing Philippe at No.3 in the hope the renowned player of spin is at the crease when the opposition brings their tweakers on, and to allow Azam to open.
An opener in 83 of 97 Sixers innings before this summer, Philippe is happy remaining at first drop and eager to work alongside Azam.
“I’m happy to play whatever role is required,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to hopefully putting on a big partnership with (Azam) and learning from him out in the middle.
“He’s a really nice guy and we’re certainly enjoying having him around.”
