Azhar Ali thinks Fawad Alam is Pakistan’s Ertuğrul

Pakistan former captain Azhar Ali has likened Karachi batsman Fawad Alam to Turkish legend Ertuğrul.

Sharing a collage of Fawad’s century celebration and Ertuğrul Ghazi ready for battle in a still from the popular Turkish series Diriliş: Ertuğrul, Azhar said the batsman has a “heart of a lion.”

“What a knock from Fawad Alam!,” said the former skipper. “A lot of courage and character and determination.”

Jazaakallah bro

— Fawad Alam (@iamfawadalam25) December 31, 2020

Thanking Azhar, Alam replied, “Jazaakallah bro.”

Similarly Mohammad Hafeez also congratulated Alam on his achievement.

Jazaakallah Hafeez Bhai

— Fawad Alam (@iamfawadalam25) December 31, 2020

Eleven years, five months and 16 days from the day he scored his first Test hundred, Fawad pulled Wagner behind square – that shot had served him well both in defence and attack – past a diving deep fielder to bring up a second Test hundred.

The last one he scored was way back in 2009 when he hit 168 on Test debut against Sri Lanka while opening the innings. Since then Alam has played just six Tests having made a comeback in 2020.

Read more – Fawad Alam gives another reminder to Misbah with his third century

Babar Azam’s injury gave him another go and yet he proved to be an ace for the team.

In a post-match video, Fawad credited Ali for the celebration.

“During a four-day game, Azhar Ali and I had a discussion. He told me if I get a century, this is how I should celebrate it,” said Fawad. “Maybe God granted his wish. And I remembered what he had told me. So, this celebration was for him.”

Fawad Alam on his gutsy innings in the first #NZvPAK Test and celebration!#HarHaalMainCricket #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/VgSiU3xvMo

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 30, 2020