Pakistan excited to take on SL in second Test

After having played their first Test on Pakistan soil the National Team members cannot wait for the second and final Test against Sri Lanka starting at the National Stadium in Karachi on Thursday.

With the first match ending in a draw their Captain Azhar Ali is eager to lead the side at this historic venue.

“Pakistan have had an excellent record in Test cricket at the National Stadium and I can’t wait for the toss. The whole team is excited for the match,” Azhar said.

Growing up in Karachi, opening batsman Shan Masood has had ample opportunities to play First-Class cricket at the iconic stadium.

Shan said: “Growing up we have seen some of the best cricketing action at the National Stadium which developed my interest in the game.”

Asad Shafiq, who boasts the record of most number of Test centuries at number six, is another player in the side who is well-aware of the conditions that the National Stadium offers in red-ball cricket.

“I was screaming at the top of my lungs in the crowd when [Mohammad] Asif got the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar at the National Stadium in a Test match,” remarked Asad.

After having stamped his authority in white-ball cricket, Babar Azam has put up imposing performances in Tests and celebrated the return of the game’s pinnacle format with a century on the final day of Rawalpindi Test on Sunday.

Babar said: “I am very excited that we are playing the second Test in Karachi. I can’t wait to bat in Test whites at the National Stadium after having played T20Is and ODIs there.”

It was Fawad Alam’s talismanic performances at the National Stadium in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy this year which led to a call-up to the National Stadium. The middle-order batsman scored three centuries, including 211 for Sindh against Southern Punjab and a half century in four matches.

“It is certainly a step in the right direction that Test cricket is returning to Karachi. The people of Karachi will come out in large numbers to support both teams,” said the left-hander.

Over the years, Karachi has become almost like a home for Mohammad Rizwan as the wicket-keeper-batsman hopes that he will be able to entertain fans with his glove-work and batting in the second Test.

“Karachi has become my city as I have been playing for Karachi Kings. I am very happy that Test cricket is returning here,” Rizwan said. (Agencies)