Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Azhar Ali spoke of his satisfaction and relief at his maiden test century in the recently concluded test series against Sri Lanka in UAE.

By Saj Sadiq (2nd December, 2011)

Azhar Ali's long wait for his first test century finally ended recently in the second Test match against Sri Lanka in Dubai when he made exactly 100.

After scoring eleven half centuries, Azhar had been unable to convert fifties into centuries and some were beginning to question his temperament. However 26 year old Azhar put all such doubts to bed in Dubai, while continuing to prove his mettle as a solid and reliable number three for Pakistan with 1143 runs in 16 test matches, at an average of over 42.

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Azhar spoke of his satisfaction and relief at his maiden test century in the recently concluded test series against Sri Lanka in UAE.

"It was a great feeling and a relief. It was very satisfying to score my first international century, especially after the number of times I had crossed the half century mark. There was a lot of talk about the lack of a century and it was starting to play on my mind a little and some were starting to doubt whether I had the capability to score a century in international cricket."

"I had gone close to three figures on a few occasions previously but either due to a good delivery or a mistake from myself I had missed out. However whilst the lack of a century was on my mind a little, I wasn't letting it get me down and instead was just focussing on scoring as many runs as I could. If it was a 50, 60 or 70, then that's what I wanted to enjoy and be pleased with."

Ali added "I went into the series with Sri Lanka not focussing too much on the lack of the century, but when I reached the 80 or so mark in Dubai against Sri Lanka then I did start thinking about the three figures mark. When I reached the 90s then they definitely became the nervous 90s as I hadn't previously scored a century for Pakistan. Misbah was batting with me at the time and that was really beneficial, he was very helpful with his advice, as he guided me to the century and just stressed to me not to make any mistakes. Misbah also just said to me to keep it simple, don't try and play any rash strokes, maintain your compusure and keep concentrating and the century will come. Despite the advice I still played a couple of rash strokes but thankfully I wasn't dismissed prior to my century."

Having accomplished the task of having a maiden Test century to his name, Ali spoke of his hope for scoring many more runs for Pakistan, but stressed that team success meant more to him than personal milestones.

"When I walk out to the middle my aim is to ensure that Pakistan do well and bat according to the situation and to build a partnership with my batting partner. If the team is under pressure, then I look to absorb the pressure and bat the team out of any precarious positions. My other aim is simple and that is to score as many runs as possible for the benefit of the team. My personal milestones come second after the priorities of the team. If I can score a half century or a century that is great, but what is more important is the team doing well. Having said all that, of course I am looking to improve my average and improve my ratio of centuries."

Pakistan's resurgence in Test cricket can easily be attributed to their new found ability to play with a fantastic spirit, guts and determination and Ali spoke of the emphasis on responsibility and all the players knowing exactly what their role is within the setup.

"The team combination is very good. All the players know exactly what their role is in the team and all that is requested of us is to perform to the best of our ability, with responsibility and to fulfill our roles in the team. As far as the batting is concerned in Test cricket, the emphasis is on partnerships and playing long innings. If you look at the scores the team has been reaching in the past few Test matches then you can see that the plans are working and it's a very good sign for Pakistan cricket."

There are several factors key to Pakistan's excellent recent form in Test cricket but one major factor is the stability that skipper Misbah ul Haq has provided and Ali was quick to praise Misbah and the coaching staff.

"Misbah (ul Haq) deserves a lot of credit for our recent good form. He really gives all the boys a lot of confidence and helps everyone. He's an excellent leader on and off the pitch. Mohsin (Khan), the other coaches and the support staff also deserve praise for their hard work with all of us. One of the things that I am really enjoying in the squad is the camaraderie, if someone makes a mistake then everyone else is there to back them up and support them."

"In addition there is a lot of healthy competition for places so we are all very conscious of making sure that we perform well, as there is someone there either in the squad or in domestic cricket to take our place. Nobody can take their place for granted. Despite the healthy competition, the players who are with the squad and not playing are also very supportive. For example in the Sri Lanka test matches Shoaib Malik was not playing in the Test series but he was there backing everyone else and guiding those of us featuring in the Test matches, which was good for team spirit."

Looking ahead to the upcoming Test series in Bangladesh Azhar added "Like every series, preparation is key and I am preparing thoroughly by playing for KRL in domestic cricket. I know that the opponent cannot be taken lightly especially in their own conditions. Bangladesh cannot be written off, they are not a team to be underestimated and it will be a tough series. I'll be looking to do well individually but the plan has to be to whitewash the opponents in the Test series. Nothing comes easy in Test cricket you have to work hard for every run and every wicket and this series will be no exception."

The two match Test series starts on 9th December in Chittagong with the second Test match commencing on 17th December in Dhaka.