Hasan Ali: “Like I became the number one bowler in One Day Internationals, I want to become number one in Tests too”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Pakistan pace bowler Hasan Ali has revealed that he is determined to become the top-ranked bowler in Test cricket.

Hasan had been at the summit of the ODI bowlers rankings since he was the highest wicket-taker in the format last year with 45 victims at an average of 17.04. However, he has since dropped to fourth place.

But, after a strong showing on the opening day of the first Test against England at Lord’s, where he took four wickets, Hasan is confident that he has what it takes to scale the summit of the rankings in the longest format.

“Like I became the number one bowler in One Day Internationals, I want to become number one in Tests too,” he was quoted as saying by the Business Recorder.

Hasan also said that prior to the first day, where England were bowled out for a disappointing 184, bowling coach Azhar Mahmood gave the bowlers some advice on how they could excel and put England on the back foot.

“We had a long meeting, where Azhar Mahmood told us to bowl straight and full lengths,” he said. “That’s why we got help from the pitch and were successful.

“There was no need to bowl bouncers because we were getting help from bowling straight and pitching the ball up. It would have made no sense to bowl bouncers. The pitch was fresh so I was just focused on bowling full and straight.”

There had been concerns about Hasan going into the match as he had to receive two stitches after splitting the webbing between his thumb and index finger while trying to take a catch on the second day of the two-day warm-up match against Leicestershire.

However, Hasan proved his fitness and was selected in the playing XI.

“It was decided in the morning that I’d play after testing my batting and fielding as well,” he said.

Hasan added that he was highly impressed with Pakistan’s performance in the field, and admitted that fellow pace bowler Mohammad Abbas bowled exceptionally well as he also claimed four wickets.

“The way the bowlers bowled is there for all to see but after that, the fielders also did well, holding onto catches and the ground fielding was also very good,” he said. “Abbas bhai is a very good bowler, he bowls at the same spot and moves the ball both ways, my role is also to bowl in an attacking manner and to take wickets for the team.

“It is a five-day match, the wicket will be rolled again tomorrow so we’ll see what it’s like. The moisture was almost gone in the latter stages so we’ll see what it’s like tomorrow.

“Pakistan’s fast-bowling has always been good but when we play in the subcontinent, the conditions are dry so we rely on the spinners. When we play outside in England, Australia or NZ then you need fast bowlers. Mickey Arthur gave us a lot of confidence.”

Pakistan ended day one on 50/1 and Hasan is hoping that his side can post a massive first innings score in order to add even more pressure on England.

“Our batsmen look to be in really good form so Insha’Allah we’ll try to make 300+ and get them out cheaply once again,” he said.