PAK vs ENG: Azhar Ali receives guard of honor after final Test innings of career

The ongoing third Test match between hosts Pakistan and England in Karachi witnessed a heartwarming moment when Azhar Ali made his way back to the pavilion for the last time in Tests. Unfortunately, it wasn't a fairy tale ending for the veteran batter as he was dismissed for a four-ball duck on his swansong. While Ben Stokes' men patted him on the back for his outstanding contribution to the national team over the years, he received a guard of honor from his compatriots.

Pakistan's veteran middle-order bulwark Azhar Ali announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the third Test against England. He walked out to bat in the first innings to a rousing round of applause from the fans at the  National Stadium in Karachi and compiled a valiant knock of 45 runs, stabilizing the innings for the home side.

However, the 37-year-old could not replicate his defiance from the first innings and was cleaned up by Jack Leach for a four-ball duck in the second innings. As he dragged himself off the pitch after his last outing for Pakistan in the longest format of the game, he was congratulated by Ben Stokes and his men. His teammates, stationed near the boundary ropes, gave him a guard of honor as he made his way back to the dressing room.

For the final time.

Farewell, @AzharAli_ 💚#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/IBlftcxxXR

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 19, 2022

Azhar's wicket was the second dismissal of the over as Jack Leach halted Pakistan's progress in the morning session of the third day with a double-wicket maiden. He then claimed his third wicket in the space of just three deliveries to clean up the Pakistani top order. It will need a herculean effort from skipper Babar Azam if his side wishes to avoid a series whitewash with two days still remaining in the final Test.