OTD | Pakistan’s star batter Azhar Ali was born in 1985

Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali is celebrating his 39th birthday today. Azhar remained a central figure for the Pakistan team for around a decade, especially in Test cricket. His consistency in the longest format and his ability to make runs in testing circumstances elevated his stature in his team. 

Azhar made his debut in international cricket in 2010 when he played his first Test against Australia at Lord’s. In the second innings of that match, he scored 42 runs and gave a glimpse of his potential. It was an impressive start to a long career that would see numerous ups and downs. Around a year later he was also given the opportunity to make his ODI debut. Azhar Ali played his first One-Day international against Ireland in Belfast in May 2011. 

A Test veteran

Azhar Ali started his venture in both formats of the game but with time he grew in stature in Test cricket and found himself more comfortable in the longest format than the shorter one. The former Pakistan skipper played 53 One-Day internationals for Pakistan where he scored 1845 runs at an average of 36.90. The elegant right-hander also smashed 3 centuries in ODI cricket and for many, he could have played longer in white ball cricket. 

But there is not much scope of ‘what could have been’ when we talk about his Test career. Azhar had a long Test career lasting for more than a decade. He represented Pakistan in 97 Test matches amassing 7142 runs at an average of 42.26. Azhar has an impressive 19 centuries to his name in his Test career along with 35 half-centuries. The only regret that he might harbor is that he missed out on the opportunity to breach that glorious 100-Test mark. It was an illustrious career where he also got the opportunity to lead his side in the toughest format of the game and Azhar would look back at his Test career with a sense of pride.