'Our Test team has been a settled unit' - Shan Masood reveals Pakistan's batting order for Tests versus Australia

Shan Masood took over the reins as Pakistan's red-ball skipper after Babar Azam stepped down following the ODI World Cup 2023 debacle. The southpaw will start his tenure with a difficult assignment as Pakistan are set to go Down Under and face Australia in a three-match Test series.

Masood mentioned that Pakistan's red-ball team is a settled unit and spilled the beans on their batting order for the Tests against Australia. The 34-year-old lauded the opening duo of Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique and also acknowledged Babar as the best batter in the side.

 “Our Test team has been a settled unit. The opening combination of Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique has been representing Pakistan for more than a year now. They have given a lot of performances. After the retirement of Azhar Ali, I have mostly played at number three spot in domestic and international cricket. This is the top three in our plans,” Masood said during a press conference held on Wednesday in Lahore. 

“Babar Azam is our best batsman. No one would disturb his batting position, which is number four spot. You make your team around the team’s best batsman,” he added.

Saim Ayub is an exciting prospect: Shan Masood

21-year-old batter Saim Ayub has been picked in the 18-man squad for the upcoming Australia tour. He finished as the second-highest run-getter in the Caribbean Premier League earlier this year and is known for being someone who bats aggressively in all formats. His first-class strike rate is 70 and it goes up to 106.85 in List A cricket. Masood said that the youngster was rewarded for his attacking approach in domestic cricket.

“Saim Ayub is an exciting prospect and he has been rewarded for his attacking approach in domestic cricket. He will get a chance if needed,” Masood said.

Pakistan will play a four-day warm-up fixture against Prime Ministers XI in Canberra beginning Wednesday, December 6. The first Test will be held in Perth on Thursday, December 14.