Azhar Ali expecting three batters to shine against Australia in Melbourne Test

Former Pakistani cricketer Azhar Ali is anticipating a standout performance from three key Pakistani batters in the upcoming second Test against Australia in Melbourne, scheduled from December 26 to 30. 

Drawing on his own success with a score of 205* against Australia in the 2016 Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, Azhar expressed optimism for improved batting performances. 

“I have a lot of expectation from Babar Azam, Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique in Melbourne Test. I am hopeful that one of these batters would be able to score a double century in Melbourne like I did,” Azhar said.

“I have confidence that Pakistani batters can post scores around 450, 475 but it is important for Pakistan that the bowlers are able to bowl out Australia for not a bigger total,” he added.

Reflecting on Pakistan's subpar performance in the opening Test in Perth, Azhar Ali identified key factors contributing to the team's struggles.

 “There were matches, where batters had scored good runs but our bowlers were unable to bowl Australia out in those matches, it has been so long that Pakistani bowlers had bowled Australia out twice in a match, and this is where the problem is,” Azhar said

 “People would say that Pakistan was bowled out for 89 in Perth but I think by the time Pakistan’s inning started, the wicket had become very difficult with an uneven bounce, and knowing Australia’s attack, I think that collapse was not unexpected,” he added

It is worth noting that the Men in Green suffered a substantial defeat of 360 runs in the Perth Test against Australia. 

While attempting to chase the home side's formidable total of 450 runs, the visiting team was dismissed for a mere 89 runs, leading to a significant 360-run loss in the match.