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One of Pakistan’s most successful Test players and former captain Azhar Ali will retire from the longest format after the third and final Test of the ongoing ICC World Cup against England.
Azhar has represented Pakistan in 96 Tests so far, scoring 7097 runs at an impressive average of 42.49. He made his debut in the longest format in 2010 against Australia at Lord’s.
In an illustrious Test career spanning 12 years, he hit 19 centuries and 35 fifties. In his swan song in the Test against England in Karachi, he got another chance to add to those figures and end his Test career on a high. He also captained the team nine times between 2016 and 2020.
It has been a great honor and privilege to represent my country at the highest level,” Azhar said in a statement on Friday, December 16. Deciding when to call for the day is always difficult, but after much thought I realized that this is the right time to retire from Test cricket.
I am grateful to many people on this exhausting, yet beautiful journey. I want to make a special mention of my family, without whose sacrifices; I wouldn’t be where I am today. My parents, wife, siblings and children have been my strength all along, he added.
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05 July 19
Dishing the Dirt – Azhar Ali
Among his many achievements, Azhar remains the only Pakistani to have scored a triple century in a pink ball Test. He achieved this feat against the West Indies in Dubai in 2016. He achieved an unbeaten 302, his highest individual score in Test cricket.
I have been blessed to share a dressing room with some of the greatest cricketers with whom I have a strong bond,” Azhar reflects. “I feel much richer for calling these people my friends. I’ve also been blessed to have played under some amazing coaches, to whom I will always be grateful.
I retire from international cricket as a satisfied cricketer who ticked off most of the goals he set for himself. Few cricketers go on to lead their countries and the fact that I got to captain Pakistan is a matter of great pride for me. From a child who started as a cyclist to the heel of the Test batting line-up, I experienced the most wonderful moments of my life, which I will cherish forever.
Azhar bows out of Test cricket as one of Pakistan’s best run-scorers, their fifth-leading run-scorer.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja congratulated the batsman: Azhar Ali has been one of the most committed and loyal servants of Pakistan cricket. His grit and determination have inspired many young cricketers and he is a role model for up and coming cricketers.
While it is sad that Pakistan don’t have their own experience in the dressing room, it just reflects the cycle of life. I hope to see Azhar continue to play a role in the development of Pakistan cricket and share his vast knowledge and experience with budding cricketers.
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