Team confidence is very high says Azhar Ali

24th August (CRICKETNMORE) - After an enthralling test series between hosts England and Pakistan, the two teams are ready for the five match ODI series. 

Ahead of the first ODI, Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali seemed pretty optimistic and mentioned that confidence was the key going into the ODI series. 

“Confidence is very high and belief is there, obviously coming in from the Test series, we had a very good couple of months here. We take that confidence into the one-day internationals as well,” Ali said. “It is a massive boost and a proud moment for Pakistan cricket and the whole nation is very happy about it, as players the team is really happy about it. It’s definitely a good thing for us, our one-day ranking is not great right now but we will take the opportunity the way the team is performing, hopefully, we can convert it into ODIs as well,” he said.

Also check England vs Pakistan 2016 ODI Series Schedule

About his own batting form

"When you play international cricket, pressure is always there,” he said. “I’ve had a few starts in recent months but I didn’t convert into big scores so I will focus on that. As a batsman, I need to score some big runs.”

On being No.1 Test Team

It’s a big achievement, for the nation and for the players,” Ali said. “People in Pakistan they don’t see their stars playing in front of them, there’s a lack of interest sometimes. The kids really want to see the players they look up to but they don’t see it in front of them, they just watch the TV. For the players also, they have been away all the time, they can’t spend much time with their families, also.”

Saurabh Sharma