Always a dream for any player to score a hundred in England, says Azhar Ali

Satisfied with his batting performance on the second day of the ongoing Edgbaston Test against England, Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali reveled in finally scoring a Test century outside Asia. Speaking to reporters at the end of the day’s play, Azhar enthused, “It's always a dream for any player to come in England and score a hundred.

“This being my first century outside Asia, makes me proud.“

Upon winning the toss, skipper Misbah-ul-Haq took a brave call and inserted the hosts on a batting-friendly surface. But, the Pakistani bowlers responded by dismissing England for 297.

Coming into bat as early as in the first over itself after opener Mohammad Hafeez was sent back, Azhar strung together a 181-run partnership with Sami Aslam and blunted the England bowlers with his persistence.

Even though he was reprieved twice, the right-hander rode on his luck to compile a brilliant ton. However, Aslam was not as fortunate and perished to a run-out after doing all the hard work.

Apologizing to the 20-year old for his costly error in judgment, Azhar felt, “It was unfortunate that he got run out. I felt sorry for him and would have loved him to have reached a hundred.“

The only blemish in his gritty effort was a momentary lapse in concentration during the final delivery of the day. With Chris Woakes targeting the fourth stump line, Azhar was enticed into a half-hearted push and found Alastair Cook in the slip cordon.

Looking back on the dismissal, he admitted, “It could have been better had I survived the last ball.” Nevertheless, his 139 did go a long way in securing a handy first-innings lead for the visitors.