Changes were evident after Pakistan’s win over Sri Lanka in the first Test with four wickets. The top order was unafraid to go on the attack in the first innings as Shan Masood, who came in at number 3, hit five boundaries and a six in 39 balls.
Despite falling first wickets, Pakistan led 101-5, Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman put together a 177-run partnership for the sixth wicket where the former made his first double century and the latter struck nine fours and a six while playing 113 balls.
In the press conference on the second day, Masood will talk about how the team perked up when England came to Pakistan. ‘The last Test series got us thinking and the management was adamant that one of the things we are lacking is that we are not scoring as much as our rivals,’ he said.
We live in a time when thrill-hungry batsmen are chasing bowlers, scoring runs and showcasing their skills. Yes, we would like to play attractive cricket, but we would like to play cricket that helps us win matches.
History of Intentions
The history of Pakistani cricket is mostly about honoring winners — those mercurial dum-dums who can single-handedly turn the tide of a match. Their team always has a few top players and plenty of hard workers. For every Javed, there is an Imran, defends the young players who adhere to this philosophy.