RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s experienced batter Azhar Ali, who played a sensational 185-runs knock against Australia in the ongoing first Test, credited Australian bowlers for not allowing the home side to score freely.

Azhar, while talking to the post-match presser, revealed that the Pindi Stadium pitch was quite challenging and scoring the runs freely was not an easy task.

“The Australian bowlers bowled really well, due to which we couldn’t carve out the runs freely,” he said.

The veteran also revealed his desire to score a double-ton but remained short of 15 runs as the opposition bowlers did not allow the smooth run flow, also claimed that he likes to score runs against Australia.

“I wanted to score a double hundred, but they did not allow quick runs. When I took risks against spinners, I got out,” he said, after falling to a reverse sweep off part-time spinner Marnus Labuschagne.

“I enjoy scoring runs against Australia, who are definitely one of the top teams in the world,” said Azhar, whose hundred was his fourth against the visitors over the years.

He further claimed that the pitch will become more challenging by the conclusion of day three, however, acknowledged that the team needs to do good planning to get the opposition out.

“I think the pitch will become more challenging by the end of the third day and it would become more difficult to freely score runs,” he said.

“We have to do good planning against the Australian team, as it will not be easy to get their batters out,” he added.

Azhar also showed delight upon Imam-ul-Haq’s magnificent first Test century as the left-handed batter played a brilliant 157-runs knock.

“I am glad to see Imam performing so well in Test matches as his performance in ODIs was already excellent,” Azhar said.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan declared their first innings at 476-4 in 162 overs before the early stumps, which resulted in Australia only managing to score 5/0 as the touring side’s openers could only bat for a single over.

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