Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, second left, and teammates appeal for dismissal of Pakistan’s Mir Hamza, second right, during the fourth day of second test cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. (AP/PTI)
Pakistan captain Shan Masood was blunt in his assessment of a Test series loss, first-ever, against Bangladesh at home. Speaking in the post-match presentation, Masood stated that while Pakistan were looking forward to make an impact in the Test season, the story that has unraveled has been the same as their previous Test series in Australia.
“I mean, extremely disappointed, especially when you start the home season, something we’ve all been very excited about. We waited 10 months for this opportunity. The story has been a bit of the same, like, Australia. We haven’t learnt our lessons,” Masood said.
“I think now it’s time where we’ve realised that where we thought we were playing good cricket in Australia and not finishing games. That’s something that we really need to work on,” he added.
Having lost the first Test by a comprehensive margin of 10 wickets, Pakistan were trumped by six wickets in Rawalpindi on Tuesday as Bangladesh sealed a 2-0 clean sweep.
Masood however, conceded that there was an opening for the hosts to take charge of the second Test after they had managed to clinch six wickets early in the first innings.
“I think two opportunities were here in both test matches where we could have bowled their side out, especially in this game, when they were 26 for 6, we let them back in the game, and that’s something that under my tenure happened consistently over four test matches,” he said.
Pakistan will next tour England for a three-match Test series starting October 7. Masood signed a warning alarm for his teammates ahead of the big tour.
“But look, the harsh realities are that as a Test-playing nation, we need to get fitter. We need to have that mental and physical ability to last five days. And to last a series, which can be 10 to 15 days. So, that’s the challenge that we have a month now before England, and once we get into England, it’s going to be a really busy season domestically and internationally. So, the boys have to pull their socks up and come back with their best,” he said.
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First uploaded on: 03-09-2024 at 18:21 IST
