Ali backs Pakistan despite England pressure

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Ali has said that although they face a daunting task but they still have a chance of producing a miracle in the second Test at Lord’s. England were 177 for seven at the close of the third day, for a lead of 357. Ali, speaking after Saturday’s play, said Pakistan’s bowlers had improved from their performance earlier in the match and had been more consistent in the second innings. “We have bowled more consistently in good areas,” Ali said. “When you have such a high deficit, you try to take the wickets of the oppositions as soon as possible.” The fast bowler acknowledged that the variable bounce and movement at Lord’s had made batting difficult but said Pakistan could not afford to use the conditions as an excuse. “It will be a difficult task, but it is not impossible,” he said. “Until the last ball is bowled or until the last run is scored, you cannot say anything.” Ali said Pakistan’s hopes would depend heavily on their mindset and their ability to find a way to score runs in challenging conditions. “In cricket, we have chased 400 runs and we have chased 350 runs. It is all about mindset,” he said. Pakistan have also been dealing with the fitness of opener Imam-ul-Haq, who is expected to bat in the second innings. Ali said he hoped the batter would be fit enough to contribute. The bowler also dismissed concerns about his own workload. “If you ask me to bowl for the rest of my life, I am ready to bowl,” Ali said. “This is my job and I have to do it this way.” He added that fast bowlers should enjoy such conditions offering movement, provided their workload and preparation were properly managed. Ali said the dramatic change in weather had affected Pakistan during the series but stressed that the team had to adapt rather than make excuses. “The weather in Leeds was a little different. We were not expecting such weather,” he said, referring to the earlier match conditions. Pakistan also missed several catching opportunities at crucial moments, which Ali acknowledged had contributed to England gaining an advantage. “If we had availed those opportunities to the England team in the first innings, we could have bowled them out at 220, 210 or 200,” he said.