New skipper Shan Masood aims to lead Pakistan to a significant milestone on their upcoming tour of Australia by aiming to secure the first Test series win in the country. Pakistan has never emerged victorious in a Test series during their 12 tours to Australia, suffering defeat in the last 14 five-day matches. Masood, 34, took over the Test side after Babar Azam stepped down from the captaincy in all formats following Pakistan’s disappointing World Cup campaign and is eager to seize this opportunity.
“When you have not achieved something in history, then you have an opportunity to change it,” he stated during a news conference in Lahore prior to the team’s departure.
“So we will make an effort to produce positive results for Pakistan and for the World Test championship.”
Pakistan is currently at the top of the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle with victories in both Tests against Sri Lanka, with India in second place and Australia in third among the nine teams on the table.
However, Australia is in good spirits after winning the previous championship cycle and lifting the 50-over World Cup. The Test series will commence with the first match in Perth on December 14, followed by matches in Melbourne (December 26-30) and Sydney (January 3-7).
Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in both Tests during their last tour, a series in which Masood participated.
“We need to score 400 and then take 20 wickets,” Masood emphasized the required performance as per their last tour in 2019.
Masood acknowledged the confidence of the Australian team, stating, “The positive thing will be to have the belief to play well, and all those playing contribute to give Australia some tough times.”
Masood affirmed that the team has prepared well for this series, replicating Australian conditions during their training camp in Rawalpindi, known for its bouncy pitch.
He also praised the appointment of former England skipper Adam Hollioake, coaching in Australia, as the team’s new batting coach, citing his expertise in Australian conditions as a valuable asset.
He also expressed confidence in his predecessor Azam to have a significant impact during the tour, highlighting that the team’s batting “will go around him”.
“We want to play the type of cricket that our fans enjoy — a good and fighting brand,” he added.
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