Shan Masood, Pakistan’s newly-appointed Test captain, shed light on the batting strategy for the upcoming Australia tour, particularly focusing on which number former captain Babar Azam will bat.
Addressing the media in Lahore, Masood outlined the team’s plans for Azam’s placement in the lineup.
“Babar Azam, our top batsman, will maintain his pivotal role at the number four spot,” emphasized Masood. “Our strategy revolves around building the team around him, ensuring stability in his position.”
'Saim Ayub has been rewarded for the way he has played in domestic cricket and we want our domestic players to be playing that brand of cricket. Also, Babar Azam is our best batter and we won't want to change his position' – Shan Masood #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/95sDCi03SX
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) November 29, 2023
Highlighting the enduring stability of the team, Masood underlined the enduring partnership of Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique, confirming their roles as the consistent openers.
“Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique have performed consistently as our opening pair, followed by my position at number three after Azhar Ali’s retirement. This forms the top three slots in our plans,” he explained.
Masood expressed confidence in Azam’s prowess and emphasized the significance of preserving his batting position.
He stressed, “No one would disturb Babar Azam’s spot at number four. The team’s composition is built around our best batsman.”
Furthermore, Masood praised Saim Ayub as an exciting talent, acknowledging his aggressive style in domestic cricket.
“Saim Ayub’s attacking approach in domestic cricket makes him an exciting prospect, and he remains in consideration for selection,” Masood concluded.
Pakistan squad for the tour of Australia
Shan Masood (c), 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
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