India, Aug. 5 -- Babar Azam stayed down on his knees even after the replay had confirmed what everyone already knew. His bat remained stretched towards the crease after the desperate dive, the stumps were broken and the West Indies fielders were celebrating around him. For a few moments, however, Babar barely moved.

The image captured far more than the disappointment of being run out for 88. It showed the weight of a Test century that has remained beyond Babar's reach for more than three-and-a-half years. He had come closer than at any point during that barren period, only for the opportunity to disappear through a dismissal that did not require a bowler to beat him.

Babar made 88 from 147 deliveries, striking 10 fours and a six. Alongs...