Today once again in the series, Pakistan has got the lead in its first innings. In 1st test, Taufeeq Umar was the key Pakistani batsman, as he scored a double century and today Azhar scored a gutsy ton.
Azhar Ali was nominated by the ICC for the annual awards 2010-11. He was nominated in the caegory: 'Best Emerging Player of the year 2010-11', for his remarkable performances, but unfortunately he could make it to the final honors. But it doesn't means that he lacks talent, or his performance is not enough. He was the only emerging player, who was nominated for some excellent performance in test cricket, whereas others were selected for one-day cricket attributes. And a real cricket follower knows that player with the test attributes is the real cricketer.
An interesting fact about Azhar Ali is that before the test series against Sri Lanka, Azhar Ali played 13 tests and scored 880 runs with an average of 38.26 and was still awaited for a century. And in the 1st test against Sri Lanka, he scored a half century, but didn't manage to get his Maiden Hundred Anyways. But today, he achieved that feat too. Completion of 1000 test runs is another achievement of his to with today's magnificent 100.
One more interesting fact about Azhar Ali is that he has never played a test match in his home ground. He has played 6 in England, 2 in Dubai, 2 in Abu Dhabi, 2 in West Indies, 2 in New Zealand and 1 in Zimbabwe. He started his career against AUSTRALIA, where he scored 42 runs in the second innings. On that day, test cricket found his future. 26 year-old Azhar Ali, has now a batting average of 39.75. He has scored his first test century today. And has proved his mettle.
GeoSuper