Pakistan’s Test victory over England in Multan has brought a sense of relief to captain Shan Masood and the team, who had endured a four-year home winless streak. Masood emphasized the importance of the win, stating that it was a step towards addressing the unacceptable recent results.
The victory was achieved through a bold strategy that involved overhauling the team’s template and bringing in three uncapped spinners. The decision to reuse the same pitch as the first Test also proved crucial. Masood reiterated the team’s unwavering commitment to taking 20 wickets in Test matches, regardless of the conditions.
The gamble paid off as spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali shared all 20 English wickets, marking the first time since 1972 that two players have been responsible for all opposition wickets in a Test match. Masood praised the spinners’ performance, acknowledging that they bowled like seasoned campaigners.
Masood emphasized the need to take risks in order to achieve the desired results. He acknowledged that Pakistan had lost many matches while pursuing this approach, but the recent victory justified the strategy. However, he also recognized the need to adapt to different conditions, leaving open the possibility of a different approach in Rawalpindi.
Despite the victory, Masood remained cautious, acknowledging that the team’s journey was far from over. He expressed hope that the win would mark the beginning of a new era for Pakistan cricket, where they could consistently perform well in their home conditions.
