‘No matter what the pitch is like, we must find a way out’ – Pakistan captain Shan Masood after humiliating defeat to England at Multan

Shan Masood. (Source – PCB)

Pakistan suffered a humiliating loss at the hands of England in the first Test at Multan Cricket Stadium. Despite posting a commanding first-innings score of 556, the hosts succumbed to an innings and 47-run defeat, becoming the first team in Test history to lose by an innings after scoring over 500 runs in their first innings.

The crushing loss has provoked introspection within the Pakistani camp, with captain Shan Masood leading the charge. In the post-match interview, Masood opened up about the team’s inability to capitalize on their strong batting performance, pointing at failing to take 20 wickets as a factor in their defeat.

“When you put 556 on the board, it’s very important to back that up with 10 wickets and keep the game close. That’s something we didn’t do. If we take those 10 wickets and have England around our score, then the 220 runs we scored on a fifth day becomes challenging for them. That’s the key. We’ve got to work things out as a team, how the batting and bowling in the first innings contribute to a lead and hopefully set the match up,” said Masood during the post-match press conference, as quoted by The Times of India.

Also Read: PCB adds Aleem Dar, Aaqib Javed, Azhar Ali to selection committee soon after being thumped by England in first Test

We must find a way out: Masood

After their impressive first-innings total, they helplessly saw England, declaring their first-innings score at 823/7. The hosts succumbed under pressure in the second innings, with only a 109-run stand between Salman Ali Agha (63) and Aamer Jamal (55 not out) providing some hope on the final day.

“Where I’d like the team to improve is, no matter what the pitch is like, we must find a way out. England showed us the way in this Test, you have to give huge credit to them. We’re hurt by the result, hurt as a nation, but the beauty of the game is it always gives you another chance,” he added.

I never try to shy away from responsibility: Masood

Even after the loss, Masood is optimistic about the team’s ability to bounce back. With the second Test just four days away, the captain sees an opportunity to make a comeback in the three-match series.

“The quick turnaround (to the second Test) might be beneficial to us, and we’re looking forward to it. I never try to shy away from responsibility. What hurts is that we’re not getting the results that Pakistan cricket deserves. We are all trying hard, we’re going to give it our all and try to turn this around,” he concluded.