Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali blamed the team’s inability to bowl out Australia twice in a match for their ongoing problem in Australia. Azhar Ali reveals Pakistan’s ‘Australia troubles’. In an exclusive interview in Karachi on the sidelines of the President’s Trophy, Azhar blamed Pakistan’s drought in Australia on his inability to bowl out Australia twice. Our bowlers failed to bowl out Australia in matches where batsmen scored well.
Azhar Ali reveals Pakistan’s ‘Australia troubles’
The issue is that Pakistani bowlers haven’t bowled Australia out twice in a contest in a while. He made these words after the Green Shirts were dismissed for 89 runs while chasing 450 runs, with Saud Shakeel scoring 24 runs. Pakistani bowlers have only taken 20 wickets against Australia in their backyard twice—in 1995 and 2010.
“People would say that Pakistan was bowled out for 89 [runs] in Perth. Also, by the time Pakistan’s inning started, the wicket had become very difficult with an uneven bounce. Also, knowing Australia’s [pace] attack, I think [Pakistan’s batting] collapse was not unexpected,” Azhar said. Pakistan can still win the series. Still, a bowler must take the lead, according to the former skipper. To beat the Kangaroos, the Men in Green must get Australia out under 300 runs.
“I have confidence that Pakistani batters can post scores around 450, 475, but Pakistani bowlers must bowl out Australia for less,” he remarked. The former player added that Pakistan should have fielded one more specialist bower instead of two all-rounders, Faheem Ashraf and Salman Agha. “You must use expert bowlers to take wickets.” Azhar got his 49th first-class century against Ghani Glass in an SNGPL President’s Trophy match.
The former Test cricketer said he hadn’t practised much but was thrilled to make a century. Despite targeting his 50th first-class century, he won’t retire. I may have retired earlier, but I felt it was time. He said he wanted to leave on a good note to make room for young players.
