Azhar Ali to retire after England series

Azhar Ali to retire after England series : After the third and final Test of the current ICC World Test Championship series against England, Azhar Ali, one of Pakistan’s most successful Test hitters and a former captain, will take the call on his career in the longest format.

Azhar Ali, 37years old has played 53 one-day internationals before giving up the game; he does not participate in T20 matches for the national team. A number of impressive showings on the domestic circuit led to Azhar Ali’s inclusion in the Pakistani team.

In 96 Tests for Pakistan, Azhar Ali, who made his Test debut in 2010 against Australia, has amassed 7097 runs at an average of 42.49. In his brilliant Test career, he has scored 19 hundreds and 35 half-centuries.

The only Pakistani player to record a triple century in pink-ball Test matches is Ali. It should be remembered that the veteran hitter already have given up ODI cricket in 2018.

It has been a great honour and privilege for me to represent my country at the highest level,”

Azhar said in a statement on Friday, 16 December.

“Deciding on when to call it a day is always tough, but, after contemplating deeply, I realised that this is the right time for me to retire from Test cricket.

“There are many people who I am grateful to in this strenuous, yet beautiful journey. I want to make a special mention of my family without whose sacrifices; I would not have been where I am today. My parents, wife, siblings, and children have been my strength throughout,”

he added.

“I have been blessed to share dressing room with some of the most outstanding cricketers with whom I share a strong bond,”

Azhar reflected.

“I feel much richer by calling these people my friends. I am also blessed to have played under some wonderful coaches to whom I will always remain grateful.”

“I retire from international cricket as a fulfilled cricketer who ticked most of the goals he had set for himself. Not many cricketers go on to lead their countries, and that I was able to captain Pakistan is a matter of great pride for me. From being a kid who started as a leg-spinner to becoming a mainstay in the Test batting line-up, I had the loveliest moments of my life that I will cherish forever.”

Azhar bows out from Test cricket as one of Pakistan’s top run-getters – their fifth leading run-scorer in the format.

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Ramiz Raja, congratulated the batter:

“ Ali has been one of the most committed and loyal servants of Pakistan cricket. His grit and determination have been an inspiration for many young cricketers and he is a role model for up and coming cricketers.

“While it is sad that Pakistan will not have a player of his experience in the dressing room to draw upon, it only reflects the circle of life. I hope to see Azhar continuing to play a role in the development of Pakistan cricket and sharing his vast knowledge and experience with budding cricketers.”

Azhar bows out from Test cricket as one of Pakistan’s top run-getters – their fifth leading run-scorer in the format.

Read More…https://www.sportstrumpet.com/rohit-sharma-is-set-to-return-for-bangladeshs-second-test/