LAHORE – Former Pakistani cricketer Azhar Ali said that three players including Babar Azam, Imam ul Haq, and Abdullah Shafique could give amazing performance in the upcoming Melbourne Test.
“I’m confident about improved batting performances in the upcoming clash,” said Azhar Ali in reaction to Pakistan’s tragic fall in the first Test match in Perth.
Both Pakistan and Australia will lock horns in the second Test match in Melbourne from December 26 to 30.
Azhar Ali recalled his own success with a score of 205* against Australia in the 2016 Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
“I’m hopeful that Babar Azam, Imam ul Haq, and Abdullah Shafique will perform well in the Melbourne Test. I’m also optimistic that one of these batters can replicate my success and score a double century in Melbourne,” he added.
He stated that in his views, Pakistani batters had potential to score around 450 to 475, emphasizing the importance of the bowlers being able to dismiss Australia for a manageable total.
Talking about Pakistan’s poor performance in the opening Test in Perth, Azhar Ali identified key factors contributing to the team’s struggles.
He acknowledged Pakistan’s disappointing defeat of 360 runs in the Perth Test against Australia.
Azhar said, “During struggle to chase Australia’s formidable total of 450 runs, our team was dismissed for just 89 runs. Despite the fall, it’s important to note that by the time Pakistan’s inning started, the wicket had become difficult with uneven bounce,”.
However, he said, “Given Australia’s strong bowling attack, the collapse was not entirely unexpected,”.
He went on to say that there were instances where Pakistani batters scored well, but the bowlers couldn’t dismiss Australia in those matches.
