Mohammad Ali reveals how he overcame challenges to reclaim his spot in Babar Azam-starrer Pakistan team

Pakistan cricket team bowler Mohammad Ali is all set to make his comeback to the international arena with the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on August 21 in Rawalpindi.

Mohammad Ali made his Test debut against England in December 2022, and he got to play two games. After the England Test series, where he scalped four wickets in two games, Ali was dropped from the Pakistan cricket team, but he yet managed to earn his spot back in the team on the back of his stunning domestic performance.

Mohammad Ali ready for Pakistan comeback with Bangladesh Tests

Mohammad Ali is expected to play in the first Test against Bangladesh. Before his comeback, the 31-year-old opened up about his journey about the setbacks and comebacks. After facing numerous setbacks and rejections throughout his career, Ali took time to reassess and focus on domestic cricket.

His dedication to improving his game, both in practice and during domestic matches, eventually led to a successful return to the national team. The Pakistani pacer has highlighted the importance of treating every match with utmost seriousness, whether it is a domestic fixture or a high-profile tournament like the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

He emphasized how crucial it was to approach each opportunity with the same intensity and commitment. Ali also revealed that he made significant adjustments to his bowling technique, including refining his wrist position and correcting issues with hyperextension that had caused back problems.

Comebacks are always tough and challenging: Pakistani pacer Mohammad Ali

Mohammad Ali said in a video posted by PCB on X: “Comebacks are always tough and challenging. Obviously, you have to start from zero and perform again. In fact, it wasn't that difficult for me because I have seen so many failures and rejections in my life. I accepted it wholeheartedly, and I accepted that maybe I wasn't ready for this stage.

Since I wasn't able to perform well there, I was dropped. After that, I went to play domestic cricket. Every match was equally important, and I tried to perform in every match. And the result is in front of you. I got the opportunity again. There can't be a better and happier thing than this.”

Ali said that playing for Pakistan brings an extra responsibility, as the players have to prove why they are representing the country at the highest level. Describing this as his perspective and school of thought, Ali said that he gave importance to every match in domestic cricket and PSL.

I improved my wrist position and hyperextension: Mohammad Ali

The pacer stressed that he performed in every match with the same intensity, attitude, commitment, and dedication, saying his season was tough and important for me. Ali said that he worked really hard and modified a lot of things in his actions.

Ali signed off by saying, “Because of the modifications, I benefited a lot. I topped the consecutive team for four years. At that time, I used to have hyperextension. My hand used to go back a lot. Because of this, I used to have back issues. So, I worked on that. I improved that hyperextension.

There are other small aspects like this. I improved my wrist position. I improved my circle. A lot of people may not understand the rotation of the bowling arm. I worked a lot on that. This process continued during the season and off the season. At the start, my family never supported me.”

The focus on domestic performances helping him earn a national recall 🏏

🗣️ Mohammad Ali gets ready for a Test comeback 💪#PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/YRAEgYpFVX

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 10, 2024