Print Print edition: 2017-12-03

Azhar Ali seeking return

Published December 3, 2017 Updated December 3, 2017 12:00am

Former Test skipper and opening batsman Azhar Ali, who was out of cricket since Pakistan's Test series against Sri Lanka following a knee injury, is keen for his return to the international cricket. Azhar wants to prove his match fitness to selectors ahead of Pakistan's tour to New Zealand starting this month.
He is aiming to prove his match fitness during the next few days to make a comeback to Pakistan. Azhar's knee injury kept him out of the limited overs series and the national T20 tournament as well. He visited the UK for rehabilitation program under Dr Zafar. During his moth-long stay there, Azhar worked to regain fitness. He also underwent a rehabilitation program at National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
Following the rehabilitation program, Azhar Ali joined his domestic team SNGPL on Saturday to play the super eight stage of Pakistan's premier first-class tournament Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Azhar practised in nets for more than 90 minutes without any signs of discomfort which showed the remarkable improvement in his fitness. Azhar Ali has represented Pakistan in 62 Tests and 50 ODIs and one of only four Pakistani batsmen to have scored a triple century in Test Cricket.