Shan Masood is no longer Pakistan’s Test captain. But the side’s head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed does not want him to become a scapegoat either. Appointed Test captain in November 2023 after Babar Azam stepped down from the role, Shan led Pakistan for approximately two and a half years.
Since his taking over, Pakistan have won only four out of 16 Tests. That record places him among the least successful Test captains in the country’s history in terms of win-loss ratio.
Sarfaraz backs Shan to deliver as a batter
Shan also holds the joint fourth-worst win-loss record among Test captains who have led their sides in more than five matches. Additionally, he did not win a single away Test during his stint. His toughest moment came when Pakistan suffered a second consecutive 2-0 Test series whitewash against Bangladesh, after which discussions over his removal gathered pace.
But Sarfaraz believes that, with the captaincy burden lifted, Shan can now focus entirely on his batting.
“I had a good conversation with Shan. He is a very confident player who has prepared well. Although he had a hamstring issue and had to rest for a week or two, his attitude remained excellent. He completed his rehabilitation well, showed great improvement over the past few weeks, and he is looking fit now,” Sarfaraz said.
Shan’s batting improved during his captaincy
One positive for both Pakistan and Shan during his captaincy stint was the improvement in his batting returns. Two of his six Test centuries in a 13-year international career came while leading the side, including hundreds against South Africa and England.
“Shan has already contributed as a captain, and I am confident he will continue to do so as a player. He is an experienced, intelligent senior cricketer who knows how to manage things. Like every player, form can fluctuate, but he has consistently represented Pakistan, and I hope his performances will benefit the team in the upcoming series,” he stated.
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