PAK vs AUS: "Pakistan Can't Win Overnight.."- Shan Masood

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood expressed the team’s desire to embrace an attractive brand of Test cricket, citing their success in Sri Lanka. Shan Masood emphasized that assessing progress after just one Test is unfair, highlighting the need for time and continuity.

Pakistan suffered a 360-run loss against Australia in the opening Test match at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The Australia team amassed 487 runs in 113 overs in the first innings, while Pakistan, batting for a comparable duration, managed only 217 runs in their innings.

The hosts secured a substantial 216-run lead in the first innings. The Aussies declared their second innings at 233/5, setting a target of 450 runs for the opposition. However, the visitors were bowled out for a mere 89 runs, marking a disappointing start to the series.

We Got Some Results As Well – Shan Masood

Speaking ahead of the second Test, Shan Masood emphasized the necessity for patience as they adopt an aggressive approach against top-tier teams in Test cricket. He underscored the importance of time and the player’s commitment to the team’s desired style.

“One Test is never a fair assessment. You need time. You need a bit more time. You’ve already got a squad that’s been playing Test cricket for a while. You have to look at the domestic structure and the players available for red-ball cricket. You need players to buy in,” Masood said.

“We want to give players ample opportunity to buy into the way we want to play. There are some things that we’ve said from the outside that we want to play a more attractive brand of Test cricket. We did that in Sri Lanka. We got some results as well. The challenge now is to do it against the best teams in world cricket,” he added.

Pakistan showcased an aggressive style of cricket in their successful 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka earlier this year. The Pakistan team maintained a scoring rate of over 3.50 runs per over. They also earned crucial points for the WTC 2023-25 cycle in away conditions.

We Have To Start Well Against Australia – Shan Masood

Shan Masood emphasized the need for a positive and competitive start against Australia, recognizing the time required for players to adapt to a new playing style. Masood expressed regret over not capitalizing on his decent start in the Perth Test.

“If we have to compete against Australia here, we have to start well and get quickly off the blocks and play a positive brand of cricket, which you have to give the guys sometime. It can’t happen overnight. You have to see how players play naturally,” Masood further added.

“You have to convince them as to how you want them to play and then give them a proper chance and also try and set the tone yourself. I thought that I had a decent start in Perth but couldn’t capitalize on it. Got out at the wrong time.”

Masood came to the crease with the team’s score at 34-1 after the openers saw off the new ball. The left-handed batter exhibited positive intent from the start, scoring 30 runs off 43 deliveries. However, he could only manage 2 runs off 11 balls in the final innings of the game.

The second Test match between Australia and Pakistan is scheduled to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), commencing on Tuesday, December 26. The visitors will be aiming to secure their first Test victory on Australian soil since 1995.

Also read: PAK vs AUS: Why Was Sarfaraz Ahmed Dropped From Pakistan Playing 11 vs Australia For Boxing Day Test? Shan Masood Reveals