Disappointed Azhar aims to nail down series

– Senior batsman Azhar Ali (right) admitted Pakistan will be under pressure of expectations in the second Test against Australia starting in Abu Dhabi tomorrow.

Pakistan dominated much of the first Test in Dubai but failed to get the last two wickets as Australia finished at 362/8.

Set a daunting 462 to win, Australia’s fightback was led by opener Usman Khawaja’s 141, ably assisted by Travis Head (72) and skipper Tim Paine (61 not out).

“I can’t say if the pressure will be more on Pakistan or Australia but we are the home side and ob-

Abu Dhabi

viously people expect us to win,” said Azhar yesterday.

“However, having said that, they are favourable conditions and we must make the most of it.

“Pressure is always different in every match and obviously this is a decider. Being the home team we have to win and we will go on the field thinking that. We’ll try to play positive cricket and hopefully the result will go our way.”

Pakistan will be forced to make a change after regular opener Imam-ul-Haq fractured his finger in the first Test and was ruled out, creating an option for Azhar to open the innings.

The 33-year-old was in the opening spot since the Oval Test in England in August 2016 and struck a triple century against the West Indies in Dubai and a double hundred against Australia in Melbourne – both in 2016.

He went back to his customary No 3 position for the two Tests against Sri Lanka last year and in last week’s first Test against Australia.

Pakistan may also bring in limited-overs specialist Fakhar Zaman to play his first Test, despite his poor form in the Asia Cup, scoring only 56 runs in five matches, with two ducks.

Azhar said he will do it against Australia for his team.

“When playing for Pakistan one has to be ready for everything,” said Azhar. “I have always believed in that and whatever the team management decides or the captain decides, I will be ready to do that.”

Azhar admitted the Pakistani players were disappointed at not winning the first Test.

“We are not disheartened but, yes, disappointed, obviously after dominating the Test match throughout and then not winning it,” said Azhar, a veteran of 66 Tests. –