LAHORE: Opening batsman Saad Ali, who is expected to make his Test debut in the series against Ireland and England, is extremely excited to be a part of the 16-member squad and dreams to kick-off his five-day career with a century at the iconic Lord’s. The 24-year-old batsman, who finished as the top-scorer of this season’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with 957 runs with an average of 68.35 and strike rate of 72.55, wants to carry his domestic momentum into international cricket. “This is a really proud moment for me; this is the moment I have been waiting for all this time. Now that I have achieved my first goal, the next is to score a century at Lord’s if I get a chance to play,” Ali said Sunday before his departure to London along with the national squad. “While I have been playing cricket for more than 10 years, I had no idea at the time that I would one day get to represent my country on the international arena. Honestly put, I hadn’t even set any goals for myself at that point but as time went on, I started dreaming and I am so glad to have reached this level,” he added. The batsman, who has an overall first-class average of 46.93 and a strike rate of 51.42, was called up to the national team following a stellar domestic display where he made three centuries and as many half-tons which included a scintillating 232. And the rising star believes that he has the ability to adapt and play at any ground and in any conditions. “I have a specialty that I can play at any ground in Pakistan and not only in the longer format but in shorter ones as well. This makes me different from others and I hope that when I reach Lord’s, I can do the same there too,” he said. Ali is hoping to cement his place in the starting line-up and says that only great performances can guarantee that. “If I get to play, I will not only make my team win but will also make my place permanent in the team with my performance,” he said. He further added that he is fully prepared to face any bowler on the tour. “Every bowler is a tough bowler, but I am fully prepared to face any bowler and perform.” Talking about captain Sarfraz Ahmed and how the wicketkeeper-batsman has helped him polish his skills, Ali said: “Sarfraz and I play for the same zone – Alamgir Gymkhana – and also for the same club – Pakistan Cricket Club, so I have a strong bond with him and he has helped me polish my skills a lot,” he said. Published in Daily Times, April 23rd 2018.