You'll have to be on top of your game especially to beat a team like England: Azhar Ali

Azhar Ali is set to lead the Pakistan team with some big challenges waiting for them in the England Test series. The Pakistan captain though is quite confident of his team’s good show. He has pinned hopes that his lads will play well in all the departments of the game. Azhar also expressed the belief that with the availability of legendary coaching staff under stalwart Misbah-ul-Haq, the team will fetch good results.

Azhar, himself, has been a key member of their setup and a lot will depend on him as well. The Test series will kick off with the first Test slated to be held at the Old Trafford, Manchester from 5th August. Azhar, while interacting with media on the eve of the first Test, heaped praises on having the support of former Pakistan’s greats.

“There are two types of people. Even some of those who have played cricket, feel that whatever they think is only right and try to impose their thoughts on others. Luckily, the players that have come for us – Misbah bhai, Younis bhai, Mushy bhai, Waqar bhai – they have spent a lot of time with us and their method is to empower us,” he said.

He also put forward his views on the experience the current coaching staff brings. “The amount of cricket they’ve played, the coaching staff does not want to enforce anything which is very good and that’s what happens in good environments. So as a captain, I’m very comfortable,” he insisted.

Azhar also put forward his views on the team’s batting unit and the strategy the top-order will possess in the Test match.

“See we won our last Test match in Pindi and in that winning combination, Abid Ali and Shan Masood played there. They’re performing, they’re doing a very good job. Imam too has been doing well and putting in a lot of hard work and has done well in these practice matches also. He’s playing well but unfortunately, only two openers can play, and we’ll continue with the existing pair,” he said.

This is an important series for Pakistan, says Azhar Ali

He, however, put forward his views on the importance of Yasir Shah in the Test side. “The role of Yasir is key, when we win Test matches his role has been big. And like I said, with back-to-back matches being played on the same ground, the spinner’s role will be key,” he believed.

He also put forth his view about the unpredictability of the weather in English conditions. “Here you can’t do much about the weather. You can get a sunny day in August, July or even September. As a batsman, it’s everyone’s wish that it will be sunny and batting will be a little easier. But whatever the weather or conditions, we will try as a batting unit to take up the challenge and play out the tough periods,” he said.

“Test cricket is such a game that you can’t take any department lightly – batting bowling or fielding. You’ll have to be on top of your game especially to beat a team like England,” he believed.