MULTAN (WS News) – National Test team captain Shan Masood has announced that the playing XI has been finalised, and the team was fully committed to winning the series against England.
Abdullah Shafique has retained his opening position despite scoring six single figure scores in last seven innings.
His last 7 innings scores were 3,0, 37, 2,0,0, and 4.
Mir Hamza has been replaced by Shaheen Shah Afridi.
During a press conference in Multan, he noted that England’s squad remained strong despite the absence of Ben Stokes, as they have a talented 16-member team.
Reflecting on their previous series against England, where they narrowly lost after being close to victory, Masood emphasised their determination to secure a win this time.
Masood mentioned that the team was well-acquainted with English cricket and has devised a suitable strategy accordingly.
He highlighted that Aamer Jamal’s inclusion has strengthened their position, and that test match strategies could not be based solely on one day, but must consider the five-day duration.
He acknowledged past batting struggles following their series against Bangladesh.
Masood cautioned against underestimating England’s inexperienced players, emphasising that they were never to be considered weak opponents.
He expressed hope that Shaheen Afridi, who bowled extensively in the Champions Cup, would return to form for the upcoming matches.
Pakistan XI:
Shan Masood, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Aamer Jamal, and Salman Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed.
