Mohammad Ali Remains Hopeful as Pakistan Fight to Stay Alive in Lord’s Test

Pakistan had a tough task ahead of them even before the third day's play got underway at Lord's. Rain kept interrupting the action, with the teams managing less than 25 overs across three separate sessions. Pakistan picked up four wickets, but England still added 96 runs to their total and took their lead to 357.

Mohammad Ali has taken two wickets so far in the innings and accepted that Pakistan's problems started with their batting on the second day.

"The deficit from the first innings was too deep anyway. When you're so far behind, all you can do is get opposition wickets as quickly as possible. I think we bowled better here than the first innings. In better areas and with more consistency. That's why England are 177 for 7." said Mohammad Ali.

Mohammad Ali also talked about the conditions at Lord’s, saying the pitch at the venue often produces variable bounce which makes batting difficult for the players.

"You often get variable bounce at Lords. If you watched the Test against New Zealand here [earlier this summer], you saw variable bounce too. As a cricketer, you have to be in awkward conditions. I don't talk about anyone else, but if you ask me to bowl all my life, I will be ready to do that. Because that's my job.” said Mohammad Ali.

“And no matter how many fast bowlers play, fast bowlers should enjoy bowling in these conditions. If your workload is fine and your preparation is fine, you'll never have a problem.” added Mohammad Ali.

"We've seen this in domestic cricket too. A cricketer can only do what's in his control. The weather, atmosphere, conditions, pitch, should not get to you that much." added Mohammad Ali.

Meanwhile, Ali is also hopeful for a comeback from Pakistan, saying nothing is impossible if the team executes its plans perfectly.

"It'll be a difficult task but not impossible. Until the last ball is bowled in cricket, you can't make predictions. The Test still has a way to run. 350-400 has been chased in the past, too. It's all about mindset and belief. Conditions are tough, but we'll have to face that challenge and find a way out to get runs." said Mohammad Ali.