AUS vs PAK: "Babar Azam Is 2nd Best To Abdullah Shafique.."- Shan Masood

Pakistan’s Test Captain Shan Masood on the eve of the 3rd Test against Australia at Sydney, claimed that opening batter Abdullah Shafique comes even before their star batter Babar Azam when it comes to the best fielder in the Slips during a recent press conference held earlier today.

The Men in Green have nothing else to play for except pride in the final test at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground, the same venue where they won their last Test match against the Aussies back in 1995. Since then, Pakistan have longed for a test match win at the Land Down Under while the thought of winning a series over there remains a dream.

Shan Masood’s side finds their back against the wall for more than one reason. Not only have their batters flopped in Australian conditions, but their fielding has been disastrous. So much so that Gautam Gambhir had to call them the worst fielding side in International cricket after seeing them struggle in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Their fielding woes resurfaced during the opening 2 tests of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy series. From dropped catches to misfields to just keep on running after the ball without stopping, it all happened with Pakistan.

Shan Masood Hails Abdullah Shafique As Pakistan’s Finest Slipper

While answering the press about Abdullah Shafique’s inclusion in the 3rd test despite dropping sitters while standing in the 1st slip, Shan Masood claimed that he is the country’s finest slip fielder.

“In a game your hands are tied because slips are very specialized. A lot of fielding places in Test cricket are very specialized. We had four genuine quick bowlers, so it was hard to get them into the slips. Abdullah Shafique has been a good slipsman for us and those are the guys that practice for hours every day.” – Masood said. 

Shan Masood also stated that in case Shafique faces consistent discomfort in the slips then Babar Azam is right behind him to fill into the first slip. “He’s a brilliant slips fielder. He’s got age on his side. But I think if he doesn’t feel comfortable, Babar is a decent first slipper. – Masood added. 

Shan Masood Expecting A Big Knock From Babar Azam At SCG

While speaking to the press, Shan Masood was also asked about the form of their star batter Babar Azam who has failed to put up performances that suit his image and talent. In the 1st Test, Babar scored a combined 35 runs across both innings in Pakistan’s heavy 360-run loss before getting out for 1 and 41 in Pakistan’s 79-run 2nd test loss.

Masood seemed to be content with Babar Azam’s intent and claimed that he had been training for longer hours in the nets and also expressed his belief that Babar would score big at Sydney.

“Babar Azam is our main player. We have no concerns over his performance. His approach is positive. He is practicing for hours in the nets and has great fitness. I am looking forward to him scoring big in the Sydney Test.” – Masood concluded.