England Test series
\n\u201cIt\u2019s easy to make changes after a loss, but if we want to move forward, we must back our players,\u201d says skipper
\n slamabad
\nPakistan Test team captain Shan Masood on Monday said that he was optimistic for the future ahead of the upcoming Test series against England despite disappointing whitewash against Bangladesh.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s easy to make changes after a loss, but if we want to move forward, we must back our players,\u201d Masood said while speaking at a press conference.
\nThe skipper\u2019s remarks come as the national side is set to take on England in a three-match Test series against England commencing on October 7 at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
\nThe second match will also be played at the second venue whereas the third match is scheduled from October 24 to 28 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
\nThe home series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25.
\nContinuing on today, the red-ball captain said that the players were deeply regretful of the recent losses and are determined to achieve better results.
\n\u201cWe\u2019ve learned a lot about our physical and mental condition, and it\u2019s clear that improvements are needed,\u201d he added.
\nElaborating on his role as the team\u2019s leader, Masood admitted that losing is always difficult and said: \u201cAs a captain, it feels terrible when the team loses. It wasn\u2019t the ideal start, but accountability comes with defeat.\u201d
\nHe also pointed out that the team had several opportunities to gain the upper hand against Bangladesh but failed to take advantage of them.
\n\u201cIf Pakistan want to become a top Test side, we need to significantly improve both physical and mental fitness. Our conditioning should be on par with other top teams in the world,\u201d the left-handed batter said while emphasising the importance of mental and physical fitness, particularly for Test cricket.
\nHe also addressed the return of Aamir Jamal from injury, noting that the current Test squad was selected based on player fitness.
\n\u201cFor now, we\u2019ve built the squad for one Test, considering the players\u2019 fitness levels. Meanwhile, If required, Zahid Mahmood would be brought into the squad,\u201d Masood explained.
\nConcluding his remarks, Masood acknowledged the pressure of professional sports but affirmed that no player enjoys losing.
\nIt is to be noted that Mahmood will join the pre-test camp in Multan as the 16th player, but the final squad will be trimmed to 15 players for the first Test.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
England Test series \u201cIt\u2019s easy to make changes after a loss, but if we want to move forward, we must back our players,\u201d says skipper slamabad Pakistan Test team captain Shan Masood on Monday said that he was optimistic for the future ahead of the upcoming Test series against England despite disappointing whitewash against Bangladesh. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":434538,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-434518","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n