Lahore, Dec 2 (IANS) Young Pakistan batsman Babar Azam was on Friday compared to India's Test captain and one of the world's leading batsmen Virat Kohli by coach Mickey Arthur.
Azam, 22, has played only three Tests so far in his budding career. He missed out on a century, remaining stranded on 90 not out in the second innings, as Pakistan lost their second Test to New Zealand in Hamilton by 138 runs to surrender the two-match series 0-2.
In his 18 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), he has scored three centuries, all of which came in consecutive matches against the West Indies earlier this year.
"He (Azam) is a young gun who will be an exceptional player," Arthur told Perth's 6PR radio on Friday ahead of Pakistan's sole warm-up match for their three-Test series against Australia. The three day warm-up match begins on December 8.
Pakistan will play hosts Australia in three Tests following the practice game. The first Test - a day-night affair in Brisbane - begins on December 15.
"I'll go so far as to say, at the same age, I reckon he's as good as Virat Kohli, which I know that's high praise but he's right up there."
Arthur said Pakistan were ready to fire against an Australia Test team, adding that his charges had learned a lot in New Zealand.
"Had that series gone another Test match, we would have been better for the conditions," he said of the New Zealand tour.
"Hopefully, this has put us in good stead for what we can experience in Australia, Arthur ws quoted as saying by 6PR radio.
