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Pakistan’s former test Captain Azhar Ali was an essential part Pakistan test team, and with his unique technique, he scored many runs for his nation. Sometimes the 37-years-old won Pakistan’s matches single-handedly. The ex-skipper also broke many records. He played his career-best innings of 302, not out where he was about to break Brain Lara’s record. Now the right-handed batsman is struggling. He is facing a lot of criticism on social media. Should Azhar Ali retire?
Azhar Ali’s Career
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average |
| 95 | 176 | 7030 | 42.60 |
Ali‘s all-over Test career is pretty fine in which he has represented his team for 95 matches and played 176 innings. The 37-years old has scored 7030 runs for his nation with an average of 42.60 and a low strike rate of 41.77. The Lahore born has four players of the match awards. The Right-Handed batsman has served Pakistan for almost 12 years.
Azhar Ali Recent Performance
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average |
| 8 | 13 | 451 | 34.6 |
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | |
| Home | 3 | 6 | 300 | 50 |
| Away | 5 | 7 | 151 | 21.5 |
Azhar Ali‘s recent performance is not up to the mark; the right-handed batsman has played eight matches with an average of 34.6. He has played well in the home conditions with a good average of 50. In his seven away innings, his average was 21.5, which is not good against the oppositions like West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The Lahore born is badly exposed on Lankan pitches, where he just scored nine runs in two innings.
Does Azhar Ali Deserve To Play His 100th Test Match?
Azhar Ali is a good batsman but is now in a terrible patch. The 37 years old is just scoring runs in his home condition and on easy pitches. In away conditions, he is completely struggling. The Lahore born is putting pressure on other batsmen as he is playing too slow, and he absorbs the pressure instead of releasing it. Like he did against Sri Lanka, where he just scored three runs in 41 deliveries. I think he should be dropped in the next Galle test as there are many contenders after him to take his spot.
Which Batsman Should Take Azhar Ali‘s Place
There are many contenders who can take Azhar Ali’s place. The 32 years old is in his hot form, and he plays spin well, so he can take advantage of Sri Lankan spinning conditions as well as he can bat at number 3. Kuwait-born also plays quickly like modern-day cricketers do, which will also help the Pakistan test team.
Overview
Pakistan’s former test captain Azhar is in his terrible form, and he is completely exposed to Lankan pitches. There are many contenders who can take his place. The best contender is Kuwait Born Shan Masood, who is in his career-best form.
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