Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali is optimistic to take the field in high spirit as first Test against England is set to begin on Wednesday in Manchester.

The 35-year-old was expressing his views ahead of the game via video link from Manchester on Tuesday. The Men in Green is accompanied by star-studded coaching staff which includes former captains Misbah ul Haq, Younis Khan, Waqar Younis and leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed.

Sharing his working experience with Pakistan legends, Azhar said, “We are guided by Younis Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed and Misbahul Haq but they do not enforce things on us. As a captain I am not facing any problems. I have been inconsistent with my performances and I know that. I am working hard on making those performances better.”

Lahore native insisted that he and Asad Shafiq have to step up for the side. “Asad Shafiq and I will have to step up for the side. We will have to accustom ourselves with these hard times.”

Expressing his views on playing cricket during the in COVID-19 pandemic, he said all players were ready to take the field.
“All cricketers want to compete. The two boards decided that this series should happen and we have enjoyed the training camps,” Azhar said.

Azhar also throw weight behind Pakistan bowling attack saying they have enough experience to defend a big total.

“A tour to England is always hard but our past performances here raise our spirits. Our batting has a lot of experience. The team has a great combination. We cannot ignore any department in Test cricket. If we can post a big total than we have enough firepower in the bowling department to win matches.”

He said spinners role will be the key in the series and Men in Green have a right man in shape of Yasir Shah.

“Spin will play a big role. Yasir Shah has proved himself time and time again. We can go into the match with two spinners,” he said.