Pakistan batsman Sami Aslam opens up on his admiration for Virat Kohli

Aside from holding England to a 2-2 draw in the recently concluded Test series, one of the most significant gains for Pakistan was the emergence of Sami Aslam as a solid presence at the top of the order.

Impressing everyone with 167 runs from the last couple of Tests at an average of 55.66, the 20-year old revealed his admiration on the likes of Virat Kohli, Alastair Cook and Joe Root.

In an interview with PakPassion.net, the left-hander also looked back at the English series and admitted that the new ball duo of James Anderson/Stuart Broad were frustrated with his performance.

Aslam said, “Two days ahead of the match at our first practice session in Birmingham, I was told that I would be playing in the third Test match. I would be lying if I said that I was not nervous when I was informed that I was playing at Edgbaston. I think anyone in that position would have been nervous when they were told.

“But, I was also very excited and my immediate thought was that I was being given a chance to perform and I needed to grab that chance with both hands.”

He added, “I think the English bowlers looked at me and thought who is this kid out here playing a Test match. I think they expected me to be a pushover especially opening the batting which is really tough in England. The longer I batted, I think the more frustrated they got and when I was leaving the ball quite well, there were some interesting words from James Anderson and Stuart Broad directed towards me.

“I think the more frustrated they got, the more I enjoyed it because I knew I was doing well.”

‘Recall Sachin Tendulkar’s message in his last Test’

Even though he could not get an opportunity in the first two Tests, the Lahore-born cricketer divulged that watching seasoned batsmen like Cook and Root was a vital experience for him.

Aslam quipped, “Watching their approach and how they build an innings was very fascinating. I think it is very important to learn from opposition players especially world-class performers like Root and Cook.”

On being influenced by Kohli’s versatility, he felt, “Again, the word consistency comes to mind. He is someone who every time he goes out to bat, plays in a manner as if his life depended on it. Every innings is played with the same determination as the previous one and nothing is taken for granted.

“Look at his rankings in all formats and you will see what a great batsman he is. Out of 10 innings, he is likely to succeed in 8 or 9 of those innings and that is just incredible. Kohli is a batsman who I respect and admire.”

After debuting in the 2015 Test series against Bangladesh, Aslam had to wait for some time before getting another chance at the international level. Now that he has found his rhythm, the upcoming season will be an even sterner test.

Striving to improve constantly, the gritty opener enthused, “I always recall Sachin Tendulkar saying that even when he played his last Test match, he was still learning and trying to improve. I have lots to learn and that comes with experience and hopefully from playing around the world. If you improve and work hard, you will do well.

“If you do not improve and work on your weakness, I believe you will not progress.”