Mohammad Ali reacts on his selection in Pakistan Test squad

Pacer Mohammad Ali is overjoyed after being called up to the Pakistan squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against England.

Mohammad Ali of Central Punjab has been the best fast bowler in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in the last two editions, taking 56 wickets. His 24 wickets at 25.54, including two five-wicket hauls, are the most for any fast bowler this first-class season. In 2021-22, he took 32 wickets at 22.78 in eight matches, the most for a fast bowler.

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“I can’t express my happiness in words. I’m speechless at the moment,” Ali said while speaking to a local media channel in an exclusive interview.

“Hard work always pays off, and that is what I have always believed in,” he added.

Ali also named three fast bowlers as role models in cricket: Shane Bond of New Zealand, Dale Steyn of South Africa, and Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan.

“Shane Bond, Shoaib Akhtar, and Dale Steyn are among the bowlers I admire,” he said.

“I liked Shoaib Akhtar because of his aggression, pace, and attitude towards the game. All three bowlers had a similar approach towards cricket,” he added.

The England team will arrive in Pakistan on November 27 for the much-anticipated tour, with the first Test will begin on December 1 in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan squad

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Zahid Mehmood.