Pakistan target consolidation in first Bangladesh Test

Skipper Azhar Ali hopes Pakistan will strengthen their credentials -- both as a team and as hosts -- when they face a depleted Bangladesh side in the first Test in Rawalpindi starting Friday.

The match will further Pakistan's efforts to host Test cricket, which returned to the country just two months ago after a 10-year gap with a series against Sri Lanka.

International cricket was suspended in Pakistan after a militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009, forcing them to play home fixtures in the United Arab Emirates.

With improved security, Pakistan hosted limited-overs internationals between 2015-19 before security confidence improved.

Bangladesh, initially reluctant to make a lengthy stay in Pakistan, only agreed to tour in three phases, having played Twenty20s last month.

After this Test they head home, before returning to play a one-day international (April 3) and second Test (April 5-9) -- both in Karachi.

Azhar said the split series will give Pakistan further opportunity to establish itself as a Test host nation.

"Credit to the two Boards for making this series possible," Azhar told reporters.

"Would have been good if the series was not split but we are focused as this is a World Test Championship match."
Azharuddin achieved the feat against England in 1984-85 in his first three Tests. Test Squads