Pakistan confident in ailing captain Babar

Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq has backed the leadership qualities of all-format captain Babar Azam ahead of next month's historic home series against Australia.

Babar has captained Karachi Kings to eight consecutive Twenty20 loses in the Pakistan Super League and has scored only two half-centuries as the 2020 champions slumped out of contention for the playoffs.

"Babar Azam is world No.1 player, and he has performed outstandingly for Pakistan," Mushtaq told reporters on Thursday.

"T20 cricket is all about momentum. All the six teams (in PSL) are very strong, but the team which gets the momentum takes the edge. Unfortunately, Karachi couldn't get the momentum."

Babar is fifth in PSL scoring with 268 runs in eight games.

"I have no doubt about Babar," Mushtaq said.

"He's a world-class player, strong leader, equally good against spin and fast bowlers. He has played lots of knocks for Pakistan and every (cricket) expert in the world talks about him."

Australia make their first trip to Pakistan in 24 years to play three Test matches, three ODIs and a one-off T20 and are due to arrive on February 27.

The tour starts in Rawalpindi on March 4 with the first Test, followed by Tests in Karachi and Lahore. The ODIs and a T20 will be played at Rawalpindi.

Pakistan Test players have started a training camp in Karachi under the supervision of Mushtaq and batting coach Mohammad Yousuf, before they shift to Rawalpindi later this month.

Australia are the top-ranked Test team in the world following their 4-0 Ashes drubbing of England and are currently second in the ICC World Test Championship points table behind Sri Lanka, with Pakistan at No.3.

Mushtaq was hopeful the home conditions would suit his players against Australia.

"They