Bilal Asif, the Pakistan off-spinner, celebrated his maiden Test call-up with a six-wicket haul in the Australian first innings of the first of two Tests in Dubai.

“Feeling really happy,” said Asif after the end of the third day’s play. “I have picked up six wickets in the first innings, now I will try to make this as good a debut as I can and keep contributing to Pakistan’s cause.”

Asif, 33, made his first international appearance in 2015 in an ODI series against Zimbabwe, but was sidelined soon after playing three ODIs following question marks on his bowling action.

However, he didn’t give up hope of donning Pakistan’s Test cap, and the hard work finally paid off when he returned 6-36 from just 21.3 overs, which also included seven maiden overs, on Tuesday, October 9.

He also credited the Pakistan bowlers for keeping things tight. “They bowled beautifully through a 40-minute period there where we couldn’t get away,” Finch admitted.

“They were stump-to-stump with very straight fields, in-out fields that you just can’t get away. It was unfortunate to chip one to short mid-on, but hopefully, next time either go right over the top or keep it on the carpet.”

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