SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Pakistan aim to fight back in Gabba Test

Pakistan opener Azhar Ali says his side are capable of fighting back in the day-night Test, despite Australia taking the honours on a lopsided day one.

Pakistan cricketer Azhar Ali
Pakistan opener Azhar Ali says his side are capable of fighting back in the day-night Test. (AAP)

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Azhar Ali knows how easy it is to score runs in a day-night Test, having plundered West Indies' attack in an unbeaten knock of 302 earlier this year.

But the Pakistan opener is also aware this week's green-tinged Gabba pitch is significantly different to the Dubai deck he mastered in October.

Australia will resume at 3-288 on day two of the first Test in Brisbane, with Steve Smith unbeaten on 110 and Peter Handscomb (64no) harbouring hopes of a maiden ton.

Azhar felt the tourists could fight back in the contest but conceded quick wickets would be key on Friday.

"We have to come and bowl really well, because the not-out batsmen are really well set, so we have to come tomorrow and keep it tight, break this partnership," he said.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"Because you don't want to let Australia score a big first-innings total, then it would be very difficult to catch up from there."

Azhar, who holds the record for the highest individual score in a day-night Test, noted the pink ball behaved a little differently in Brisbane.

"Obviously the bounce is different and at night it swings a bit more than Dubai obviously," he said.

"Everyone knows that, the wicket looks very good for batting. We just need to adapt and play according to the conditions."

Azhar was full of praise for Handscomb and Matt Renshaw, who both excelled in their second Test.

"Both of them batted beautifully," he said.

"They played the conditions really well and handled the pressure really well."


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world