Pakistan opener Azan Awais had one memorable moment in an otherwise difficult Test series in England: a personal meeting with his batting idol, Alastair Cook. The 21-year-old featured in all three matches, but Pakistan were whitewashed 3-0, leaving the series heavily tilted in England’s favour.
A Personal Highlight in a One-Sided Series
Before the series began, Awais spoke openly about his admiration for Cook, describing the former England captain as a model of temperament, discipline and consistency. That admiration turned into a face-to-face meeting on Day 4 of the third Test in Birmingham, arranged by Pakistan batter Shan Masood.
The meeting carried extra value because it came during a tour in which Awais was exposed to high-pressure Test cricket from the outset. For a young left-handed opener, the opportunity to receive batting advice from one of the most reliable openers of the modern era added technical value beyond the symbolic moment.
Awais’ Series Numbers Tell the Story
From a performance standpoint, Awais’ series was mixed and ultimately below the standard Pakistan needed at the top of the order. His first-ball dismissal in Leeds set a difficult tone, although he showed signs of adjustment in the later Tests.
| Match | Venue | Scores |
|---|
| 1st Test | Leeds | 0 & 9 |
| 2nd Test | Lord's | 46 & 6 |
| 3rd Test | Birmingham | 9 & 59 |
Across six innings, Awais scored 129 runs, giving him an average of 21.50 for the series. His top score of 59 came in the final Test, which suggests some late improvement, but his returns remained inconsistent across conditions.
For an opener in England, the benchmark is usually built around surviving the new ball and converting starts. Awais managed one notable half-century, but his strike rate, shot selection and ability to extend starts were still works in progress against a disciplined attack.
Cook’s Influence and What It Means for Awais
Cook’s value as a mentor is rooted in a long record of elite opening-batting output. The former England captain built his Test career on patience, repeatable technique and the ability to bat long periods, traits Awais has publicly identified as his learning targets.
In that sense, the meeting was more than a photo opportunity. It linked a developing opener with a player whose career was defined by volume, durability and control, qualities that remain essential for any Test opener who wants to succeed in difficult away conditions.
Why the Comparison Matters
The contrast between the two batsmen is telling. Cook’s career was built on accumulation and consistency over many seasons, while Awais is still searching for stability at Test level. That gap is normal, but it also underlines the scale of development required for a young player moving through international cricket.
Pakistan’s broader batting struggles made the series more challenging for Awais. With the team being bowled out consistently and England controlling key phases, Pakistan’s openers had limited room to build pressure or settle into extended partnerships.
Pakistan’s Series Defeat and England’s Key Result
England completed the third Test win by eight wickets, sealing a 3-0 series sweep. The chase was driven by half-centuries from Joe Root and Jordan Cox, while Mohammad Abbas provided Pakistan with an early breakthrough by dismissing both openers in the first over.
That result also produced a significant statistical milestone. Root recorded his 69th Test half-century, moving past Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record of 68 fifties in Test cricket. It was another example of England controlling the series not only through results, but also through sustained batting consistency.
| Team | Series Result | Key Stat |
|---|
| England | Won 3-0 | Third Test won by 8 wickets |
| Joe Root | England batter | 69 Test half-centuries |
| Sachin Tendulkar | Previous record | 68 Test half-centuries |
What Awais Takes Forward
For Awais, the trip ends with two very different takeaways. Statistically, the series was modest and Pakistan’s batting unit was outplayed over three Tests. Personally, however, the meeting with Cook may prove more valuable in the long term if the advice translates into a sharper method at the top of the order.
Young openers often improve through exposure to difficult tours, and this one gave Awais both a stern examination and a rare learning moment. The scorecards will show a difficult series, but the conversation with Cook could shape his development far beyond these three Tests.