Pakistan get boost as injured Shan Masood returns to training ahead of England Test series
New Delhi, August 12
Pakistan have received a major boost ahead of their first Test match against England, with experienced batter Shan Masood returning to training, according to the ICC.
The upcoming three-match Test series between Pakistan and the hosts will be part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 cycle.
Masood sustained a finger injury during the opening Test of Pakistan's recent series against the West Indies in the Caribbean. He subsequently missed the second Test, where Pakistan ended a three-year wait for an away victory by defeating the hosts.
The left-handed batter resumed training with the Pakistan squad at Beckenham on Tuesday, raising hopes of his return for the opening Test against England in Leeds, beginning August 19.
"The national Test squad took part in a practice session at Kent County Cricket Club in Beckenham. The players participated in batting and bowling net practice during the session," Pakistan confirmed, as quoted by ICC.
"Injured batter Shan Masood also took part in the practice session. Under the supervision of the medical team, he carried out batting practice."
Pakistan currently sit in eighth place on the World Test Championship standings and will be looking to continue their recent resurgence in England under new skipper Babar Azam, with the side to play a three-day tour match in Beckenham before the first Test.
The clash against a Professional County Club Select XI was originally scheduled to take place across four days, starting on August 12, but the match has now been reduced to a three-day fixture that commences on August 13, according to the ICC.
Pakistan Test squad: Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah
Series schedule:
First Test: August 19-23, HeadingleySecond Test: August 27-31, Lord'sThird Test: September 9-13, Edgbaston
— ANI
Reader Comments
Pakistan's recent away win in West Indies was impressive, but England is a different beast altogether. Shan Masood's experience will be crucial, especially in these conditions. The WTC standings show they need to win big here. Let's see how Babar handles the pressure of captaincy.
As an Indian cricket fan, I always keep an eye on Pakistan's red-ball form. They've struggled overseas for a while, but this new squad under Babar Azam looks more balanced. Good to see the selectors giving opportunities to young players like Aamir Jamal and Ali Usman. Should be a competitive series!
Shan Masood deserves credit for his resilience. He's had ups and downs but always gives his 100% for the team. India-Pakistan rivalry aside, I respect quality cricket. Hope he recovers fully and puts up a good show at Headingley. First Test is going to be exciting!
Honestly, Pakistan's bowling attack looks a bit thin without Shaheen and Naseem. They'll rely heavily on Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad. Masood's return helps the batting, but England's pace attack at home will be tough. WTC points are precious, so this series matters a lot for them.
Good to see Shan return to training. As a cricket fan from the UK, I'm excited about this series. Pakistan always bring their A-game to England. The reduced tour match is a bit odd though – hope it doesn't affect their preparation for the first Test.
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