Salman sees a ray of hope for Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Salman Ali Agha sees a ray of hope for Pakistan believing that cracks at the Multan Stadium pitch are expected to open up from the third day onward, giving the host team a good chance to go for the kill.

In a post-day media talk Tuesday, Salman said that cracks have started widening. “I am very positive that things would turn around from the third day onward. Cracks are widening up and chances of help for bowlers suddenly become a reality. I am sure that later in the day on the third day, bowlers will start getting help from the wicket. I am optimistic about getting results here.”

Salman, who smashed a flawless unbeaten hundred on Tuesday, was confident of keeping England in check on the third day.

“England have the habit of playing at brisk pace. If we succeed in breaking their momentum and keeping them in check, we will be in a better position by the end of the third day. When you play against England even if the teams score a big total, the chances of results are always there. Don’t you worry we are well placed to win the Test here.”

He was excited to have scored a century, saying it was his day as he middled everything. “Initially when I was caught at the boundary I thought I was out but came to know that Woakes foot touched the rope.

“When I play with tail I feel more comfortable and I take responsibility myself. I am in a habit of playing with the tail in recent times.” Salman hoped to cash in on a big score. “Over 550 is a big total and I feel we have good chances of putting England under pressure from here on.”