Azhar backs faltering players, eyes series-levelling win

Despite facing a storm of criticism over the team's poor show and his own dismal batting form, Pakistan captain Azhar Ali sounded highly optimistic on Thursday, backed his misfiring players and hoped for a series-levelling victory against England in the third and final Test starting at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Friday.

"Our batsmen are defying the tough [playing] conditions very well and our inexperienced bowling attack has also proved capable of bringing the opposition under pressure. Therefore, [I think] we are playing good cricket and hopefully we will win the third Test to level the series," said Azhar while addressing a presser via a video link.

Pakistan, from a winning position, lost the first Test at Old Trafford by three wickets while the drawn second Test in Southampton was marred by rain and bad light.

"It was not easy to come back after losing a Test from winning position but the way our team fought back in the second Test was remarkable. With a high spirit they performed well in the second Test, dominating most part of the game," claimed the 35-year-old Azhar who will feature in the 81st Test of his career today.