In a display of confident leadership, newly minted Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood laid out a formidable challenge for his squad ahead of their tour in Australia: to achieve what no other Pakistani team has before and make history by winning a Test series on Australian soil.
The Pakistani cricket team has faced an uphill battle on their previous tours down under, failing to clinch a Test series victory in their last 12 visits. This dubious record stretches back even further, with Pakistan experiencing a continuous defeat in the last 14 Test matches in Australia. Masood, having recently succeeded Babar Azam—who stepped down from captaincy following Pakistan’s lackluster World Cup showing—is determined to rewrite this chapter of cricket history.
Speaking to the press in Lahore as the team prepared for departure, Masood, 34, motivated his team with the prospect of changing the course of history, emphasizing the unique opportunity to create a new legacy. He highlighted the significance of the World Test Championship, where Pakistan currently tops the 2023-25 cycle leaderboard, having notched up victories in both of their Tests against Sri Lanka, overshadowing India and the third-placed Australians.
The tension is palpable as Australia rides the high waves of recent victories, including the conclusion of the last World Test Championship cycle and the prestigious 50-over World Cup title earlier in the month. Nevertheless, Masood’s game plan is apparent: to score upwards of 400 runs and secure 20 wickets—an objective not met during Pakistan’s last Australian tour in 2019, which Masood himself participated in.
While acknowledging the robust form and confidence of the Australian team, Masood struck an optimistic note, firmly asserting the value of a strong belief system and the collective effort to challenge the dominant Aussies. He assured fans and critics alike that the squad had undertaken thorough preparations, staging training sessions in Rawalpindi to acclimate to the Australian conditions known for their bouncy pitches.
In a strategic move, Masood praised the appointment of former England captain Adam Hollioake as the new batting coach, alluding to Hollioake’s experience in Australian conditions and trusting his local insights to guide the Pakistani batsmen. This tactical appointment aims to bolster the team’s ability to rise to the occasion in the demanding Australian pitches.
Masood didn’t just stop at strategic preparations; he underscored the role of team camaraderie and belief. By rallying around Babar Azam, Masood assured that the team’s batting would have a solid anchor, and he expressed his ambition to embody a cricketing ethos that resonates with fans—a style marked by vigor and resilience.
The stage is set for an enthralling contest as Pakistan steels itself for the Test series, commencing with the first match in Perth on December 14, followed by bouts in Melbourne from December 26-30, and concluding in Sydney from January 3-7. As they venture onto Australian turf, eyes will be on Masood and his team as they strive not merely to contest but to transform their historical narrative.