AUS vs PAK: Shan Masood happy with Pakistan’s tour game experience ahead of Test series

Pakistan are playing a tour game against the Prime Minister’s XI at the moment. In the four-day game, Pakistan have done well for the first two days and are slightly ahead of the PMXI team going into the third day of the first class game. Pakistan captain Shan Masood is glad that the team is getting valuable experience ahead of the Test series against Australia from the tour game.

Speaking at the end of Day 2 of the four-day match, Masood said that the team has performed well so far and has gained valuable experience which will be useful in in the 3-match Test series. Pakistan have never won a Test series in Australia and would be looking to change the narrative about their performance in the subcontinent.

“Whenever you play a practice match, you want to spend time, assess the conditions and see how the ball is reacting to the pitch. The fact that this match has a first class status, puts you in a competitive environment. You learn how to play Test cricket from first class cricket,” captain Shan Masood told PCB in a video.

Masood scored a double century in the first innings of the match – remaining unbeaten at 201* as Pakistan declared their innings. Masood said that the had tried to simplify his cricket and put the process ahead of milestones.

“Very happy with the way that we have played in the tour game. We will get a lot of help from playing this tour game. For me, I have tried to simplify the way I play. I have realised that milestones are a good thing but it is your attitude, form, and fitness that are more important. Results are a byproduct of that,” Masood explained.

Pakistan’s bowling attack has been under scrutiny ever since their horrific show at the World Cup 2023. Masood addressed the bowling unit and said that the side had responded very well to his demands and had bowled very well on Day 2 of the tour game.

“We will try to get more consistent. We want to bowl consistent long spells in the tour game, something that we want to do against Australia. The boys have responded well to the demands, I am very happy,” concluded the Pakistan captain.

At the end of Day 2, Australia’s PMXI were 149/2 with Matt Renshaw (18) and Cameron Green (19) at the crease.