Pakistan vs Australia 1st Test Match Preview: Shan Masood's Captaincy, Squad Analysis, and Expectations

In the previous blog post here, I delved into a potential Pakistan XI for the upcoming Pakistan vs Australia Test Series. Shan Masood, the captain of the national team, presents a different perspective, and rightly so.

THE ANNOUNCED SQUAD: 

While our agreement extends to about 70% of the squad, including openers and middle-order players like Abdullah, Imam, Shan, Babar, Saud, Sarfaraz, Faheem, and Shaheen, there are still concerns we need to address.

Why did I select them? The straightforward answer is that THERE IS NOBODY ELSE... kidding.

Although our consensus stands at 70%, there are lingering questions about Imam's form, especially against Australia. Saud, a technically gifted left-hander, needs to make his mark on the big stage, particularly in the middle order.

And please, for the love of ****, Sarfaraz needs to dive for those catches. His role will be crucial in setting up a big total or leading a rescue mission.

Babar Azam: Well, less said, the better 🤐...his bat will do the talking.

Faheem Ashraf: Talented but underperforming with both bat and ball. We needed a batting all-rounder, and Faheem is in.

Shaheen Shah aka The Eagle: The only concern I have with Shaheen, despite picking him, is his current fitness. Can he bear the load? Get it...bear!

Almost forgot Abdullah Shafique: A promising opener who needs to score. We also have Saim Ayub. I hope he gets a chance to play in those conditions...

Finally, the captain himself, Shan Masood: Just after scoring a double hundred... no complaints. He was always a technical player, but I'm not sure why he never excelled...🤔 Under a different role, his captaincy will be tested.

Now, let's address the remaining 30% where we did not agree. Salman Ali Agha: I understand why he is selected, but I would have preferred a specialist spinner. Australia has gone with Lyon 💀, so why didn't we back Sajid Khan or Nauman? The latter is perhaps the most experienced of the pack. Perhaps we want a strong batting lineup, but spinners play a significant role. Can Salman do the job? We will see.

Aamir Jamal: I believe he is also an all-rounder...did Shan appreciate the pace he offers or anticipates in Perth, a bit of bounce? Or did he want a batting lineup all the way down to XI? He is one of the two debutants.

Khurram Shahzad: Another debutant, a promising bowler but inexperienced in these conditions or in Test cricket, for that matter.

Based on the squad, it seems Pakistan and Shan are emphasizing the batting game and taking a chance on two debutants in tricky conditions. This either means he is a captain willing to take risks or has missed the trick. If you compare this squad against Australia's, you will see what I mean.

So, what kind of cricket can we expect tomorrow or today?

According to our Team Director/Team Coach, a positive brand. We should see the bat on ball, a scoring fest, and wickets galore. I see the intent. I see the risks. But with such an inexperienced squad, I think it is a difficult ask. It will be a TEST.

Let's see...what do you guys think? Share your thoughts and opinions on the squad or the series ahead.

The stage is set, the lights are on, camera rolling....ACTION!

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