Abu Dhabi: Pakistan centurion Azhar Ali attributed his success to the support he gained from senior partner Younis Khan, who also scored a hundred, as the pair steamrollered the Australian bowling attack on day one of the second Test on Thursday.
The duo put on an unbroken 208-run stand for the third wicket as Pakistan reached stumps on a formidable 304 for two after winning the toss.
Ali, who was on 101 overnight, praised Younis after he became only the fourth Pakistan batsman to score centuries in three consecutive Test innings.
“I can’t describe in words as you know he [Younis] scored three back-to-back hundreds, which is great. It is always great to have a partnership with him as I feel really comfortable playing with him. He guides and executes the game well from the other end, giving me a sense of comfort,” Ali said.
The 29-year-old revealed that the conditions were extremely suited for batting and he made the most of the opportunity after Ahmad Shahzad and Muhammad Hafeez gave the team a steady start.
“The conditions were good for batting and we also won the toss, so it was a team’s demand to put a big total on the board. The opening partnership helped us to carry the momentum and everything went according to plan,” said Ali, who despite struggling with a back spasm and after making a slow start, picked up his run rate in the last session.
“It’s was not that I was struggling with the flow but sometimes you need to take time and play according to your plan. I sustained a spasm right after the lunch break and struggled a lot between lunch and tea. But I got ample support from the dressing room that helped me to keep going. So with runs coming from the bat I started feeling better.
This was Ali’s sixth century in 36 Tests and first against Australia and he hopes to go on and make it a big one on Friday.
“I do feel that I should be converting my score into a big hundred and that is always in my mind, but you can only try and give your best. I have an example of Younis, who has a good record in converting into big hundreds, so I have this in my mind and I am focused on it.”
Lack of ideas
Australia captain Michael Clarke said his side had tried everything in their armoury to break the partnership but nothing worked.
“Tough day, no doubt about it,” said a tired and visibly dejected skipper. “I think we tried just about everything. I tried just about everyone for a few overs there, some unorthodox fields. Unfortunately we couldn’t manage to take as many wickets as we would have liked. We probably missed a few chances once again, which was disappointing.
“Our bowlers tried everything, they fought hard. By the end of the day I didn’t have too many ideas left. I think I tried everything.”
He also justified the decision to opt for pacer Mitchell Starc in place of spinner Stephen O’Keefe, as well as Glenn Maxwell for Alex Doolan.
“The selectors assessed the conditions and thought this was the best XI to help us win the Test match. Maxie coming in gives us bat, bowl and field. He is that all-round package.”
“Selectors went with Starc as the third fast bowler rather than Steven O’Keefe’s left-arm orthodox. They fought their backsides off but unfortunately we couldn’t take as many wickets as we would have liked.”
