Pakistan’s Azhar Ali says goodbye to international cricket, hangs up boots after Karachi Test

The third match of the three-match Test series against England was the last Test of former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali. Azhar scored 7142 runs in 97 Tests at an average of 42.26. He has 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries to his name, with the best score being an unbeaten 302 in the D/N Test match against the West Indies.

Azhar said he aimed at completing a century of Test matches but things couldn’t go his way. He had no regrets whatsoever.

“I had decided this would be last season before it started and it’s true that I wanted to complete 100 Tests and that would have been possible had a I played the full season. But I’m glad youngsters are coming in and I hope they go on to do well.” Azhar was quoted as saying.

Azhar Ali also showed some good display in the bowling department as well. He took eight wickets in Test cricket. Azhar played 53 ODIs for Pakistan so far, in which he has scored 1895 runs. Ali could not debut in T20 International till now. He played 49 matches in the overall T20 format, scoring 985 runs.

'I cannot be grateful enough'- Azhar Ali

The 37-year-old was given a guard of honor by his team-mates after being bowled for a duck by England spinner and former Somerset colleague Jack Leach on day three of the third Test in Karachi which ended with the tourists winning the last match of the series and complete a 3-0 series sweep.

“Every youngster yearns to play for the national side and for me it was an honour to represent Pakistan in the Test and one-day formats and then to lead the team in both formats, I cannot be grateful enough to God for giving me this opportunity, but everything has an end, just like it has a start.” said Azhar.

“I think it was a good time on a good note, I felt it in my heart and mind that it’s just the right time; I’ll be leaving with great memories.” added the 37-year-old.