LAHORE: Pakistan’s experienced batter Azhar Ali, who recently became fifth Pakistani and 54th overall batter to reach the milestone of scoring 7,000 runs in Test cricket, said he is happy that he achieved the milestone in his home ground.

Azhar, while talking to the virtual press conference, expressed happiness for completing the remarkable feat in his first Test at his home ground.

“I am happy to complete 7,000 runs in Lahore. But unfortunately, I could not stay at the crease for long and score big,” he said.

The right-handed batter then commented about Pakistan’s collapse in the third session of day three, said it happens in Test cricket, while at the same time lauded Australian captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc for the brilliance with the ball.

“It happens in a Test match. But, the credit must go to Cummins and Starc, who bowled really well,” he said.

“Their bowlers are world-class, and the way they bowled in these conditions is simply outstanding,” he added.

The former Pakistan captain also opined about the pitch and the playing conditions, commented it is not easy to score runs in these conditions.

“It is not so easy on such pitch. It is difficult for new batsmen to get set and score freely,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that our batters could not set and as a result wickets tumble one after the other. But, we trust the abilities of our batters, it happens sometimes that the batting line-up flops. I think we should not doubt the ability of our players,” he said.

The right-handed batter went on to comment about the match situation, shared that now the target is to take early wickets of the opposition.

“We are having a hard time at the moment, now the aim is to get Australia out early,” he said.

“Tomorrow is an important day for us and we need to bowl well. No target is easy in the fourth innings as Australia are already leading by more than 130 runs,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that Australia have scored 11/0 at the stumps on day three. The touring side is currently leading by 134 runs as Pakistan bowled out for 268 in response to Australia’s 391.

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