Azhar Ali was proud to emerge from rain interruptions in the second Test between Pakistan and Australia in Melbourne with a record-breaking double-hundred.
Opener Azhar made 66 before rain halted play on day one at the MCG, reaching 139 the following day amid three separate interruptions due to inclement weather.
The 31-year-old kept on pushing following a delayed start on the third day, making his second double-ton of 2016 — the first Pakistan player to achieve that in a calendar year — after rain had earlier forced the players off, finishing unbeaten on 205.
Azhar admitted it was difficult to maintain his rhythm, but was delighted with an innings that also saw him become the first Pakistan batsman to make a Test double-hundred in Australia.
"It was a great moment for me. Getting a double-hundred at the MCG is a big occasion in my life," Azhar told a media conference.
"Coming into the Australia tour, for a subcontinent batsman you really wish to perform very well. Getting a double-ton here is something I can remember for a long, long time.
"It's hard sometimes when you get settled and you start scoring some runs and then suddenly the rain comes heavier.
"When you have to come off and go back in again - it is a little hard, but sometimes it was hard for the bowlers as well when the ball was getting wet.
"The good thing was my feet were moving and judging the ball very well, so I was very comfortable on the crease. I was feeling really confident about my decision making, which helped me concentrate longer. As a batting unit we are really happy, especially in the last two innings, with the way we batted," he added.
Pakistan declared on 443-9 before David Warner's rapid century helped Australia reach 278-2 off 58 overs before stumps.
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