"Playing with the pink ball will be a challenge for us but we are all excited about it" : Azhar Ali

Azhar Ali on the Pink ball: "It is the first game for us, with the pink ball, and it is a Day-Night Test, especially internationally. Players have a little experience with the pink ball in the domestic circuit. It is a different challenge, but we are all excited about it, and it is a different timing which will suit the crowds also."

"We have had five to six sessions with the pink ball, we have been practising hard, and have had some long sessions (with the pink ball) and we have enough idea of this ball."

"We have discussed the different phases of the pink ball, and how this ball behaves at different times, when the ball is old how its colour is, how new batsmen could have some issues facing this ball, and also whether it will swing at night. This is International cricket and you have to adapt quickly, and focus on the key features of this ball."

"It is a little hard to spot the seam of the pink ball, especially with the spinners, you can't really spot the seam, but it is a different challenge, but as it will be played more we will get to know it better."

Azhar Ali on the plans to reclaim the Number one ranking in Test cricket: "First of all it was a very big achievement for us when we reached the number one spot the first time it happened and we were very proud about it. India played some wonderful cricket and won against New Zealand and they deserve it at the moment. But we will try our best, and lots of cricket to come and lots of challenges, and if we can carry our form like in England, we can get it back."

Asad Shafiq on the pink ball: "I have no past experience of the pink ball, even in domestic cricket, but I am very excited about this. Especially the timings, that we are playing in because it will pull the crowds in, the one who go to office can come and watch the match at this time."

"The visibility of the pink ball is OK, there is just an issue with the seam. The red ball has a white seam, this ball has a black seam, and I had a little trouble seeing the seam."