I will remember this knock my whole life: Azhar Ali

Opener Azhar Ali wrote his name in the history books after he notched up an unbeaten 302 to power Pakistan to 579/3 in the first innings of the opening test against West Indies. The 31-year-old became the fourth Pakistani after Hanif Mohammad (337 v West Indies in Bridgetown, 1958) and Younis Khan (313 v Sri Lanka in Karachi, 2009) and Inzamam-ul-Haq and the 25th overall to hit a triple century in test cricket.

Talking to Dunya News after the epic knock, Azhar Ali went on to describe his game plans and the thoughts which were going through his mind during his marathon knock which was spread over five sessions.

“It’s a proud moment for me. It feels good to have earned a place in the same list of legendary players who achieved so much for Pakistan.”

“My focus was to bat in the present. You cannot set targets. It’s not easy to play big knocks. It’s a process. The focus should be on the team requirements and the match conditions. The target is always to convert 60s into hundreds and hundreds into bigger knocks. So, that is what my focus was while batting.”

Azhar Ali celebrated the grand feat in a memorable way. He imitated Misbah ul Haq’s epic push-ups celebration to mark his entry into the elite triple century club. The celebration was a tribute to Pakistan army for conducting the fitness camp and getting the players back in shape ahead of the England tour. Ali also emphasised on the fitness factor and stated that it is highly important to remain fit to survive at the Test level.

We have focused a lot on fitness. If you look at the England series, all our players were in good shape. The results are getting better and better as we continue to focus more on fitness. I have worked on my fitness also. You can survive for a longer time only if you are fit.

There are many people who have played a big role in helping me become successful. It’s a long list, to be honest. But, at present, I always turn up to my seniors for advice. Misbah-ul-Haq & Younis Khan are my role models.

Coincidentally, a 17-year-old Azhar was a substitute fielder when Inzamam scored his 329 against New Zealand in Lahore in May 2002. “I still remember I was sent to the ground as a substitute fielder on the day when Inzamam scored that epic triple century,” Azhar said on Friday. “Now I have my own and it’s a great achievement for which I am proud and can’t explain my feelings. It is something which I will remember my whole life.”

Azhar Ali exclusive on his triple century – "Misbah-ul-Haq & Younis Khan are my role models". pic.twitter.com/N9neJe1kz4

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) October 14, 2016