Ramiz Raja suggests Pakistan Test skipper Azhar Ali to first focus on his own batting in England

In the much-anticipated series, Pakistan are slated to lock horns with England in three Tests and as many T20Is. The tour will be a breakthrough for Pakistan Cricket as this will be their first series amid COVID-19 debacle. The matches will also be unique as both teams will play according to the new ICC post-coronavirus world guidelines, which also includes the ban on saliva.

According to the tentative schedule of the series, the first Test will be played on August 5 in Manchester. Pakistan will play the remaining two games in Southampton, starting on August 13 and 21 respectively. Along with no presence of spectators, the players have been living in a biosecure environment to curb the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Ahead of the much-awaited series, cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja has advised the red-ball captain Azhar Ali to focus on his own batting.

Raja pointed towards Pakistan’s tour of Australia last year where Azhar had a lean patch, gathering only 62 runs in four innings. The Men in Green had suffered a 2-0 whitewash in that series.

Azhar Ali’s captaincy wasn’t good in Australia: Ramiz Raja

“My advice for Azhar will be to first focus on his own batting. His captaincy wasn’t good in Australia and also in recent times his form has not been that great,” Raja told Dawn News.

“So he should be focusing on his batting first so that he can inspire his teammates. Also, it is a great chance for Babar Azam to again impress the world as he did in Australia,” he added.

Recently, PCB had received stick for its carelessness after as many as 10 Pakistan players were tested COVID-19 positive ahead of the England tour. However, in their second test, six of them including Mohammad Hafeez and Wahab Riaz tested negative. Raja lauded the board for playing its part in helping the sport return to the field in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

“PCB deserves the credit as they have maintained a positive and clear approach about the England tour from day one,” said Raja.

“It is absolutely great news that cricket is finally returning to action. I hope the series against Windies and Pakistan go smoothly in England to provide great entertainment to the lovers of the game,” he added.