"I have always dreamt of making my début at Lord's" : Azhar Ali by PakPassion.Net

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Player:

Azhar Ali

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DateLine: 7th July 2010

 

Right handed KRL batsman Azhar Ali's dream has always been to make his international début at Lord's. That dream could become a reality after Azhar was named in the Pakistan Test squad to tour England this summer, especially given that Pakistan's first Test match this summer on 13th July against Australia is at the home of cricket.

 

Speaking exclusively with PakPassion.net, Azhar, who averages over 40 in first class cricket, spoke of his ambition to walk out on the Lord's turf proudly wearing his green Pakistan cap on début.

 

"I have always dreamt of making my début for Pakistan at Lord's and as luck would have it, our opening Test is at Lord's. I really hope that I am given the opportunity to début at Lord's, as it's a ground steeped in tradition and history. I've always watched matches being played at Lord's and hoped that one day I would play there".

 

Ali has scored 11 centuries and 9 half centuries in a first class career that started at the tender age of 16. In theory he could be described as a veteran of first class cricket despite only being 25 years of age and he describes himself as a player different to the modern day Pakistani stroke-makers who seem more at ease in the shortened versions of the game; in contrast, Azhar describes himself as someone whose virtue is his patience.

 

"I like to play long innings and have no problems in being patient at the crease. I know the opposition will be tough in England, but I am confident that I can provide Pakistan with stability and a degree of calmness and assurance at the top of the order. I have experience of conditions in England having played league cricket over here, so hopefully I can use that experience to my advantage”.

 

Azhar averaged just under 30 for KRL in this season's Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, hitting two centuries in 17 innings with a highest score of 153 not out. However his most high profile innings was a century for the PCB Patron's XI against the touring Sri Lankans last year.

 

Ali also represented Pakistan 'A' against their Australian counterparts last year and he feels that he has steadily improved as a cricketer over the years. Despite his hard work and efforts over the years, he feels that some tips from Javed Miandad at an emerging players camp last month were crucial in his development.

 

"Javed was watching the batsmen at the emerging players camp and he came over and talked to me about the importance of crease occupation, not letting the opposition bowlers force you outside of your comfort zone and playing each delivery on merit. I think he liked what he saw in my batting and I will always be grateful for the advice he gave me".

 

Pakistan’s batting line-up without Younus Khan and Mohammad Yousuf in the squad for the forthcoming Test series against Australia and England is likely to be thoroughly tested by two potent bowling attacks. The absence of Yousuf and Younus however provides the likes of Azhar Ali a great opportunity to show off their talent and launch a new generation of top order batsmen.

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
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