Azhar backs pacers to shine ahead of first Bangladesh Test

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Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali has backed his young pace bowling attack to win them matches ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.

While talking to media in a press conference, Azhar stated that he was impressed with progress shown by Pakistan’s rookie fast-bowling attack.

"We have a new pace bowling attack but the way they have improved is a great sign. I said that we need to give the new attack some time but the way they have taken up the responsibility is heartening. We will back them, they are the bowlers we have and it's an excellent attack. We will rely on them to win us matches,” said Azhar.

Speaking about the inclusion of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf in the Test squad, Azhar revealed that the decision was taken help Pakistan prepare adequately for their overseas assignments.

“When you play overseas then sometimes you need that fourth seamer to better balance the bowling attack. Three pacers can get tired quickly. We're also thinking about the conditions we're trying to develop in Pakistan where wickets offer some help for pacers so here also we may sometimes need a fourth seamer. We want to make the ideal combination that can help us when we go to England, South Africa, Australia so that we have all-rounders who can support us.”

The Pakistan skipper also hinted that Pakistan will field the same lineup, which played in their last Test match against Sri Lanka in Karachi, making it all but certain that left-handed batsman Fawad Alam will once again warm the bench.   

"We want to try to use mostly the same combination of the last Test but we will try to adapt to the conditions of Rawalpindi,” he said. "Fawad is in the squad on the basis of his performances and ability. All members in the squad can be in the playing XI at any time. Whenever he plays, I think he will perform. Not only Fawad, but everyone is the same and they're looking to perform when given a chance.”

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On the other hand, Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque was keen on playing good cricket in Pakistan.

“We want to play good cricket here because our record overseas has not been good,” said Haque. “It’s going to be difficult without Mushfiqur because he has been one our best players but it also presents some of the new players an opportunity to prove their worth.”

The 28-year-old also brushed aside any concerns about security during their stay in Pakistan.  

“We are satisfied with the security arrangements and the hospitality we have received in Pakistan,” he said.  

The first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played in Rawalpindi from February 7-11.