LAHORE: The newly-appointed Test captain of Pakistan Shan Masood has disclosed the team’s batting order strategy for the upcoming tour to Australia during a press conference held on Wednesday in Lahore.
Masood emphasized the stability of the Test team, particularly highlighting the enduring partnership of Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique.
“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,” Masood said.
Expressing confidence in the top three positions, Masood outlined the batting sequence and assured that the team would be built around the exceptional talent of Babar Azam, who firmly holds the number four spot. Masood acknowledged Azam as the team’s premier batsman and stressed the importance of preserving his batting position.
“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 added.
In addition, Masood spoke highly of Saim Ayub, recognizing him as an exciting prospect with an aggressive approach in domestic cricket.
“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,” Shan said.
Pakistan squad for Australia Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, 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.
