NEW DELHI: Experienced Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq said on Sunday that while he has focused on improving his game, discipline has never been a concern in his career.

"I have worked a lot on my batting and shots development but honestly I have not worked on improving discipline like you asked because I have never had such a problem nor has anyone spoken to me about any attitude issues with me," Imam told reporters on Sunday.

Imam-ul-Haq, returning to the Test side after last playing in Australia in December 2023, scored a solid 93 to help Pakistan reach 313 for five on day one of the first Test against South Africa.

Having last represented Pakistan in an ODI series in New Zealand earlier this year, Imam emphasised that no one had ever raised concerns about his discipline.

He also acknowledged that being in and out of the team is a natural part of a professional cricketer's career.

"I have nothing to say on that, yes what I have learnt is that when you get an opportunity try to make the most of it because we are lucky to be playing for Pakistan from a population of millions," he said.

Imam said he was not disappointed at missing out on a century but conceded that Pakistan batters had in the past struggled with completing big innings when it mattered the most.

"I have been working a lot on my shot development because you can't afford to get slow or bogged down in the middle of an innings and this has happened with us and cost us matches."

Imam defended the decision to have spin friendly tracks for a home series.

"I think even South Africa knows what to expect but as a professional cricketer we are expected to adapt to different conditions so when we go abroad we have to learn to adapt and play accordingly and we can do that by preparing well for a series."