Tauseef hails 'man of crisis' Azhar Ali

Tauseef Ahmed lauds team’s solid show with the bat in the Boxing Day Test


Fawad Hussain December 27, 2016
PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selector Tauseef Ahmed on Tuesday heaped praise on centurion Azhar Ali after he completed his ton on day two of the second Test between Pakistan and Australia in Melbourne.

Tauseef also lauded the team’s solid show with the bat in the Boxing Day Test.

Third umpire nearly deprives Azhar Ali of his ton


Pakistan lost just two wickets as they impregnated their overnight score (142-4) to 310-6 before rain enforced early stumps for the second consecutive day.

https://twitter.com/CricketVideo/status/813681146714144768

Azhar was the star of day two as he remained unbeaten on 139 from 287 deliveries, a knock which was laced with a dozen boundaries.

Brisbane-hero Asad Shafiq also scored 50 runs, with the pair also getting involved in a 115-run stand for the fifth wicket and Tauseef felt a good batting performance has provided a solid platform for the visitors.

Rain helps Australia as Amir-Azhar onslaught curtailed


“Pakistan can now surpass 375 and that would be a very good first innings total,” the former Test cricketer told The Express Tribune. “It is a very good sign that our batsmen have started scoring runs. Our below-par performance with the bat has been our long-time problem.”



He added: “Pakistan are in a good position in Melbourne and they have a chance to pile pressure on Australia. The hosts are going to play the fourth innings and it would be very difficult for them to chase the target,” he said.

Azhar Ali — the ordinary hero


However, the former off-spinner said all Pakistan bowlers will have to contribute to trouble the Aussie batting line-up. “It will not just be about Yasir Shah,” he said. “Our pacers will also have to play their part. Yasir is going to play a crucial role but he can be more effective when he gets support from the other end.”



The PCB selector then applauded Azhar who countered PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan’s criticism over his ODI captaincy with a well-constructed innings.

Commentator rushed to hospital during Pakistan-Australia Test


“Azhar has been facing criticism since a long time but he is performing consistently. He is the man of crisis and he has proved that again with his fighting knock in Melbourne. Azhar’s Test performance will definitely lift his confidence for the ODI series.”

COMMENTS (4)

Fiz | 7 years ago | Reply Well played Azhar. Kudos! Rain (and flies) are the main culprit for slow play. Do we have draw on hand?
ayaz | 7 years ago | Reply Great player
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