pakistani cticket player: Azhar Ali

Azhar Ali Biography

Full Name: Azhar Ali

Date of Birth: Feb 19, 1985, Lahore, Punjab

Major Team: Pakistan, Khan Research Laboratories, Lahore, Lahore Eagles, Lahore Lions, Pakistan A

Playing Roll: Batsman

Batting Style: Right

Bowling Style: Legbreak

An opening batsman by trade, Azhar has worked his way steadily up Pakistan's domestic scene since 2006. That was the season he began opening regularly for Khan Research Laboratories, a move that fetched him two hundreds and two fifties in five matches, and he hasn't looked back. In four seasons since, he's been averaging 40-plus with 11 hundreds, commendable figures in a country where opening is a modern-day curse.

All of his runs have been made with a compact technique, designed to get behind the line of each ball. Observers say he gets into a tangle against the shorter ball often but his patience is key. On an A tour to Australia in 2009, he twice made five-hour 70s against an attack that included Doug Bollinger, Clint McKay and Jason Krejza. That series propelled him into senior team focus and a solid, if not spectacular 2009-10 season, coupled with a move to look beyond Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf, brought about a richly-deserved Test debut - in the middle order - at Lord's against Australia.

Azhar Aliis a Pakistani cricketer. A right-hand batsman, who also bowls leg-break, who has made a mark in the domestic circuit and has been awarded with a central contract by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Azhar Ali who started played at the tender age of 16 saw his dream turn to reality when he found his name in Pakistan squad for the Test series against Australia in 2010 and the joy was made all the more sweeter when he made his Test debut at the historic Lords.

The right hander who played his first game for Lahore in 2001 has over the years improved on his game and starting 2006 onwards was one of the most prolific scorers in domestic cricket. He went on to play for Pakistan A before being propelled into the national team when the team decided to look beyond veterans Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan. Following their loss in the 1st test, Ali played a fine knock of 51 as Pakistan chased down a tricky 180 set up by the Baggie Green in the 2nd test. His fine unbeaten 92 was also instrumental in Pakistan taking a priceless lead in a Test against England.

Normally an opener, he continues to bat at number 3 or in the middle order for Pakistan. A compact batsman with sound technique and enormous amounts of patience, Ali has all the attributes to be at the top level given he remains consistent. His next priority however will be to cement his place in ODIs and T20s.

Azhar Ali