The newly appointed Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood provided insights into the team's batting order for the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia which is scheduled to commence from December 14.
Embarking on his first Test series as captain, Masood faces the daunting task of reversing Pakistan's dismal Test record in Australia. Since 1999, Pakistan has suffered defeat in 14 consecutive Tests in Australia, including five consecutive series whitewashes. Addressing the batting order, the 34-year-old expressed confidence in the settled team, affirming that the opening partnership of Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique will remain unchanged. He also revealed his intention to bat at number three, indicating no alterations to the top three positions.
In a media interaction held on Wednesday, November 29, in Lahore, Masood said,"Our Test team has been a settled unit. The opening combination of Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique has been representing Pakistan for more than a year now. They have given a lot of performances. After the retirement of Azhar Ali, I have mostly played at number three spot in domestic and international cricket. This is the top three in our plans,” Shan Masood said.
Masood commends Babar's batting prowess
Further elaborating on the batting order, Masood lauded his predecessor Babar Azam as the team's top batter and reaffirmed that his batting position would remain unchanged. Consequently, Babar will continue to occupy the crucial number four position in Tests.
“Babar Azam is our best batsman. No one would disturb his batting position, which is number four spot. You make your team around the team’s best batsman,” he said.
“Saim Ayub is an exciting prospect and he has been rewarded for his attacking approach in domestic cricket. He will get a chance if needed,” Masood concluded.
Pakistan's squad for Test series against Australia
Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Australia vs Pakistan Test series schedule
1st Test –December 14-18: Perth Stadium
2nd Test – December 26-30: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
3rd Test – January 3-7: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
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