Pakistan will crush Ben Stokes-less England in 1st Test? Shan Masood makes colossal statement

Pakistan National Cricket Team skipper Shan Masood talked about the upcoming Test series against the England National Cricket Team. The captain was aware of the fact that void that the opposition would have because of Ben Stokes, but he also knew that it would not lessen their strength with one individual missing out.

The Test series between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the England National Cricket Team will get going from Monday (7th October). The first game of the series will be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan, and the series will also be part of the ICC World Test Championship.

Both England and Shan Masood's team have named their playing XI for the first Test. The teams have named a pretty balanced squad, and with the kind of firepower both the teams have, it promises to be an enthralling encounter, especially with important points on the line.

Shan Masood will have a point to prove

Shan Masood will have a point to prove as he has been under a lot of firing lines for his poor captaincy. Ever since he was appointed as the captain of the team, things haven't gone his way, as he is yet to register a win as a leader of the team.

Shan Masood first suffered a disappointing 3-0 whitewash against the Australia National Cricket Team, and after that, he lost to Bangladesh as well. What didn't go in his favor as he faced a whitewash against Bangladesh at home and lost the series 2-0.

However, it will be a great opportunity for him to make an impact in the series against England, who will be without Ben Stokes. The all-rounder will be missing the game as he is yet to recover from the injury that he faced in The Hundred and it will be an advantage for the hosts.

We all know the quality of Ben Stokes - Shan Masood

Shan Masood spoke highly of Ben Stokes but claimed that his absence doesn't make England weak as they have named a balanced team. The Pakistan captain also believes that the presence of Aamer Jamal makes them strong in terms of fast bowling. Speaking to reporters, he explained:

"We all know the quality of Ben Stokes. He is one of the top all-rounders in the world. England's strength will not lessen with one individual (missing). They are still very competitive. If you look at their playing eleven then it's very balanced with all-rounders, and they have two spinners and three fast bowlers with deep batting, so their loss is that of an individual."

"With Jamal, we get an edge in the seam department. You cannot underestimate anyone and need to be more cautious against any unknown player."

They've not had their strongest run recently - Ollie Pope

England skipper Ollie Pope admitted that Pakistan haven't been at their best of late, but they are a highly skilled team, and they won't take them lightly. He added:

"They've obviously not had their strongest run recently, but we still see them as a highly-skilled side," said Pope. They are a team we don't take lightly." he concluded.