PAK vs AUS: 'Happy on 7,000 Test runs, but unfortunately couldn't score big,' says Azhar Ali

LAHORE: Pakistan's Test opener Azhar Ali was happy to complete 7,000 Test runs on Wednesday, but expressed his disappointment over not converting his innings into a big total for Pakistan on Day 3 of final Pakistan vs Australia Test. 

Azhar achieved 7,000 Test runs milestone in his 94th Test match which is underway here at the Gaddafi Stadium.

"Obviously, it's an honor for me to score 7,000 Test runs. It's an achievement but it could have become bigger had I converted my innings into a big total for my team in this Test," the Test cricketer said while talking to the press after Pakistan suffered a sudden batting collapse against Australia in title-deciding Test. 

The Green Caps lost last six wickets within just 40 balls to end their first inning at 268 runs in reply to Australia's 391. 

"It wasn't easy to score runs on a pitch where reverse swing comes into play so early," Azhar defended questions related to batting-collapse.

"New batters were facing difficulties to settle down. Abdullah and I lost wickets in quick successions which created the mess. But, such things are a part of cricket and we have to deal with it as cricketers," he maintained. 

Meanwhile, the experienced batter gave full credit to Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc for making the most of the pitch condition. "Full credit to Cummins and Starc for bowling in the right areas, especially to Starc for making full use of reverse swing," he said.

"They both are world-class bowlers and they made a major difference here. They exploited us by bowling in the right areas," he concluded. 

Australia are currently leading the third and final test by gaining 134-runs lead on day 3.