Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali has expressed his desire to become the number one Test bowler, as pacer claims four wickets to restrict England to 184 in highly anticipated Lord’s Test.
Speaking to the media after the conclusion of day one at London, Hasan said, “Like I became the number one bowler in One Day Internationals, I want to become number one in Tests too.”
Referring to the bowling strategy of Pakistan team, he said, “We had a long meeting, where Azhar Mahmood told us to bowl straight and full length. That's why we got help from the pitch and were successful.”
“There was no need to bowl bouncers because we were getting help from bowling straight and pitching the ball up. It would have made no sense to bowl bouncers.” He added, “The pitch was fresh so I was just focused on bowling full and straight”.
England 184 all out against Pakistan in 1st Test
Giving his views on his selection, Hasan said, “It was decided in the morning that I'd play after testing my batting and fielding as well.”
Meanwhile, praising the fielders and bowlers, he said, “The way the bowlers bowled is there for all to see but after that, the fielders also did well, holding onto catches and the ground fielding was also very good.”
“Abbas bhai is a very good bowler, he bowls at the same spot and moves the ball both ways, my role is also to bowl in an attacking manner and to take wickets for the team,” Hasan said. "It is a five day match, the wicket will be rolled again tomorrow so we'll see what it's like. The moisture was almost gone in the latter stages so we'll see what it's like tomorrow."
"Pakistan's fast-bowling has always been good but when we play in the subcontinent, the conditions are dry so we rely on the spinners. When we play outside in England, Australia or NZ then you need fast bowlers. Mickey Arthur gave us a lot of confidence," he said.
"Our batsmen look to be in really good form so Insha'Allah we'll try to make 300+ and get them out cheaply once again," Hasan added.