Azhar Ali ready to resume competitive cricket

 

Pakistan’s former Test captain and opening batsman Azhar Ali is set to resume competitive cricket to prove his match fitness to selectors ahead of Pakistan’s tour to New Zealand.

Azhar Ali was out of cricketing action since Pakistan’s Test series against Sri Lanka due to a knee injury which kept him out of the limited overs series and the national T20 tournament as well.

He was sent to the UK for rehab program under doctor Zafar where he worked to regain fitness during his month-long stay.

Azhar also underwent a rehabilitation program at National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Following the rehabilitation program, the 32-year-old batsman 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 trained with his teammates and practised in nets for more than 90 minutes without any signs of discomfort which showed the remarkable improvement in his fitness.

The batsman is now aiming to prove his 100% match fitness during next few days to make a comeback to Pakistan side for the tour to New Zealand.

He will be in action for SNGPL against HBL in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy’s match starting on Sunday.

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.