The famous Turkish TV show Ertugrul has been an unexpected motivator for Pakistan’s team to win the third Test Clash against England, Azhar Ali. The 35-year-old continued that they were in a positive state of mind given the immense frustration of losing the first test when they were in a great position to win it.
The second match was a virtual washout — at the same Ageas Bowl site where the third test takes place on Friday — because of poor light and fog.The story, a combination of historical fiction and adventure, is based on the life of Ertugrul, the father of Osman I, who was the ruler of the Ottoman Empire.
Accessible to stream in England, this was a vital relief for a squad restricted to bio-secure sites for the remainder of their stay.”Yes, I don’t think there is a player who doesn’t watch Ertugrul,” Azhar said in his press conference in Urdu on the eve of the match.
“It’s hard to lift the side after losing a winning match, but we’ve done well to lift ourselves up and do our best to level the series by winning this test.”Earlier in the English segment of the press conference, Azhar said that the unity in the dressing room was what made it harder to return from the first test disappointment.
“I’m fortunate to have such a good group of guys who are putting it all in for Pakistan,” Azhar said.”They froze very well, which makes the work really simple for me, and I’m concentrating on all the tactics.”I just love it. Let’s hope we can take this test and move on from there.
Azhar discussed his own loss of success with the bat — he was out for the duck and 18 for the first test.”I felt really confident about myself in the next two hours or so I spent in the crease in my previous innings (20) and my balance was just as good,” he said.”It’s my responsibility to make sure I ‘m running the score.”
Naseem had two wickets at 49.50 with Shaheen’s three falling at 45.66.”They’re entertaining people, so you can’t buy the thrill by playing. We’ve got to help them,” he said.”We’re fortunate enough to have these thrilling good bowlers, even if they’re young. Naseem is almost 18, and Shaheen is just 20.