Year in Review: Flop Test XI of the year 2013

Azhar Ali (Pakistan)

Azhar Ali

Matches – 7

Innings – 14

Runs – 270

Average – 19.28

Highest – 78

The Pakistani opener had been a determined man throughout the entire season – determined not to score runs. Averaging 38.53 in 31 matches, one would expect him to score profusely at the top. Instead, Azhar appeared contented with an average of 19.28 this year at a strike-rate of 31.91. Two half-centuries are remotely flattering for a top order batsman, and his team had to realize that in a hard way.

With scores of 11, 3, 19 and 19 in his last four Test innings, Azhar returned to domestic cricket for salvaging his lost form. Surprisingly, he struck centuries in successive matches prior to scoring another ton a month later. No doubt Misbah may feel envious of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (Azhar’s team in the domestic circuit).