Being an Asian batsman, especially someone just three Tests into his career before arriving, prospect of touring England must've felt quite daunting for opener Abid Ali.
However, from the evidence of his three Test innings into the trip, the right-hand batsman from Lahore has found an effective method of surviving against the moving ball, staying on the backfoot and trying to cover the swinging ball.
While there have been moments where he hasn't been to the pitch of the fuller one and has almost bordered on the line of opening up on occasions, Abid has been able to sight the ball properly, meet it late and leave it effectively as well, barring instances when he has followed the movement with a risky slash outside off.
This was on show when he stitched together a fine half-century (60) and ensured Pakistan stays afloat after rain-marred Day 1 of the second Test in Southampton.
"We won the toss and wanted to bat with a positive mindset. We wanted to put on a good total but the conditions changed because of the weather. It was very sunny the last two days here, but today it was challenging to go in and out, although the ball was coming onto the bat well. It was disappointing (not to continue after 60), but it's a part of the game," Abid told reporters as bad weather brought the play to a premature end.
"Anyway to contribute to the team, I try my best. I wanted to see off the new ball and stick to the plan the team has. I couldn't score a hundred, but it's part of the game. I'll keep giving my best for the team. I'm giving my 100 per cent."
"It is my first time in England so I'm just trying to do my best irrespective of the conditions. The coaching staff has been helping us prepare for the last month and a half, so I'm hoping to do well. Right now it's a bit challenging but I'm trying my best to adapt," he added.
Abid's fellow opener, Shan Masood (1), couldn't continue his good work after an excellent hundred in the previous Test in Manchester and skipper Azhar Ali kept fighting his demons but without ever overcoming them through his painstaking 20.
A mini-collapse that saw Abid, Asad Shafiq (5) and comeback man Fawad Alam (0) fall in quick succession, left Pakistan in a precarious situation and with a lot of work to do on Day 2. The last recognised pair of Babar Azam (25*) and wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan (4) is not out overnight.
Pakistan's 126/5 in 45.4 overs would've looked a lot worst if not for Abid's resilient act.
(Inputs from Cricbuzz)
