Pakistan’s prolific batsman Babar Azam, in an open media session in Karachi on Monday, opened up about the comparisons between his and India’s skipper Virat Kohli’s cover drive.

The humble run-machine claimed that Kohli’s drive was better than his while stating that it gives him great joy to be named in the same breath as players such as Kohli and New Zealand’s skipper Kane Williamson.

“We are excited for the Test match in Karachi. Virat Kohli has a better cover drive than me. We will try to win in Karachi. I have faith in myself. I work hard and that is my only secret. I am really happy when my name is taken in the same breath as Kohli and Williamson,” said Babar.

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Meanwhile, opener Abid Ali, who scored a century on debut in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, revealed that he is referred to as a legend by the players and the coaching staff of the national team.

“My century was the product of domestic performances and hard work. I remembered my past while playing the first Test. I remembered the dream which made me play cricket. Making a world record by scoring a century on debut was very big for me,” he said. “The players were calling me a legend while practicing in the nets. Misbah bhai and Waqar bhai also refer to me as a legend. I was praying that these things that they were saying would come true. I have not thought about breaking any records thus far. I am focusing on my own performance.”

Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews expressed his disappointment after the drawn first Test against Pakistan but was optimistic that the second Test in Karachi would provide a result.

“Disappointed after the draw in the first Test at Rawalpindi because of the rain. The Pakistan government and PCB have provided special security arrangements. The weather in Karachi is different. We hope to have a complete match here. I have fond memories in Karachi,” said Mathews.

Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella revealed his love for Pakistan’s famous song ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’.

“Pakistan is great in all three formats. There is no issue of security here. Other countries should also come here to play. I really like the song Dil Dil Pakistan,” said Dickwella.