LAHORE: Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali has accepted the criticism of his recent performances in international cricket but vowed to make a strong comeback to the national side.
Talking to Cricket Pakistan, the right-arm pacer said that he can only stop people from criticising him by executing performances but also reminded that he has been a performer since his debut in international cricket across formats.
“There is no other way to silence the critics except performances. I couldn’t take wickets in the home series against Australia but this does not mean that my career is decided based on that, I am a fighter and will make a strong comeback,” Hasan said.
He further said, “Overall, I have performed well in all formats. If I see, I am the second-best bowler in the national team since my debut if not the first. A player cannot perform in every match or series, in the past, many great cricketers have faced criticism during their careers.”
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has backed Hasan a lot despite the right-arm pacer not being able to perform. “Babar knows I am a fighter and this is why he supports me. Criticism by the fans of dropping a catch in the T20 World Cup semi-final is justified, I could not sleep for two nights as the Pakistan team was playing so well and could not reach the final because of me,” he added.
Hasan has regained his form courtesy of his brilliant performances for Lancashire in County Championship Division One. He is the second-highest wicket-taker with 20 wickets in three games. “I am working as hard the same as before. With the recent success, confidence has increased, rhythm has also been achieved.”
Talking about sharing dressing room with James Anderson, he said: “I am trying to learn a lot from him, it is an honour to play with a great fast bowler, even at this age he has not give up. I keep asking questions and try to figure out how he trains and prepares himself on the field.”
Hasan concluded by praising Babar Azam and how Pakistan is getting better under his leadership. “I have not seen any cricketer of Babar Azam’s class since getting mature, I have seen the process of Babar reaching the top of his game. As a captain, he is getting better day by day.”
