<p>Pakistan's Azhar Ali came in for criticism over his form and leadership during their 1-0 series defeat in England but the 35-year-old said the thought of stepping down as captain never entered his mind.</p>.<p>Pakistan dominated much of the opening test in Manchester but England pulled off a memorable three-wicket victory by riding a 139-run sixth-wicket partnership between Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes.</p>.<p>The hosts' dramatic win proved decisive as the next two matches ended in draws.</p>.<p>Pace great Wasim Akram was among those who felt Azhar's passive captaincy allowed Woakes and Buttler to snatch victory in Manchester.</p>.<p>"There were tough times when we lost the first test, and it was blamed entirely on me," Azhar told a virtual media conference when asked if he considered stepping down as captain following the criticism.</p>.<p>"It was not easy but I focused only on how we could turn the series around, with my own performance and performance from the entire team. No such thought was in my consideration."</p>.<p>After managing 0, 18 and 20 in the first two tests, Azhar scored an unbeaten 141 in the drawn third match, though it was not enough to avoid follow-on.</p>.<p>"The first test match cost us, of course. If we'd won that match, we'd be sitting here as series winners," the top order batsman said.</p>.<p>"The disappointment will remain because ... we missed our opportunity. Credit goes to England for performing well under pressure."</p>.<p>The teams will clash in a three-match Twenty20 series in Manchester from Friday.</p>
<p>Pakistan's Azhar Ali came in for criticism over his form and leadership during their 1-0 series defeat in England but the 35-year-old said the thought of stepping down as captain never entered his mind.</p>.<p>Pakistan dominated much of the opening test in Manchester but England pulled off a memorable three-wicket victory by riding a 139-run sixth-wicket partnership between Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes.</p>.<p>The hosts' dramatic win proved decisive as the next two matches ended in draws.</p>.<p>Pace great Wasim Akram was among those who felt Azhar's passive captaincy allowed Woakes and Buttler to snatch victory in Manchester.</p>.<p>"There were tough times when we lost the first test, and it was blamed entirely on me," Azhar told a virtual media conference when asked if he considered stepping down as captain following the criticism.</p>.<p>"It was not easy but I focused only on how we could turn the series around, with my own performance and performance from the entire team. No such thought was in my consideration."</p>.<p>After managing 0, 18 and 20 in the first two tests, Azhar scored an unbeaten 141 in the drawn third match, though it was not enough to avoid follow-on.</p>.<p>"The first test match cost us, of course. If we'd won that match, we'd be sitting here as series winners," the top order batsman said.</p>.<p>"The disappointment will remain because ... we missed our opportunity. Credit goes to England for performing well under pressure."</p>.<p>The teams will clash in a three-match Twenty20 series in Manchester from Friday.</p>