Would want to take on the challenge of facing Jasprit Bumrah: Shan Masood

Shan Masood, the Pakistan top-order batter, has expressed his desire to face Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah. With the two countries playing only in ICC events and Asia Cup, Masood hasn’t gotten a chance to come face-to-face with Bumrah at the highest level. The southpaw said that he hasn’t faced the young fast bowler and hence would like to take on the challenge.

Bumrah hasn’t had the best of years after he returned from a back injury, which he suffered prior to India’s home series against South Africa last year. He also lost the number one ODI ranking to New Zealand’s Trent Boult. But despite the dry run, the seamer remains to be a feared prospect.

Facing him is a challenge: Shan Masood

“I think when we talk about fast-bowlers around the world; I have never played against Bumrah. That is a challenge that I would want to take on ,” Masood was quoted as saying in an interview with Cricast on YouTube.

Bumrah was set to play for the Mumbai Indians in the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL). However, he would have to wait for a while since the tournament has been postponed for an indefinite time period due to the coronavirus outbreak. Last year, he also got a hat-trick against the West Indies.

Masood’s career in brief  

Masood has mostly donned the Pakistan jersey in Test cricket after making his debut way back in 2013. In 20 matches, the left-hander has 1,189 runs at an average of 31.28. He also has three centuries and six half-centuries in the purest form of the sport.

He made his ODI debut in the series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He managed 111 runs with a top score of 50 at a rather dismal average of 22.20. Subsequently, he was then left out. He wasn’t picked for the World Cup squad either.

Back in February, he was the skipper of the Multan Sultans in the 2020 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). During the tournament he showed good temperament from all fronts. On the back of his impressive shows, the Sultans also made their way into the playoffs.