Shan Masood’s Australian Test: The Three Big Challenges Ahead for Pakistan captain

As Pakistan gears up for a challenging Test series against Australia, all eyes are on captain Shan Masood. The seasoned left-handed batter faces not just the formidable Australian side but also three significant challenges that will define his leadership and batting prowess Down Under.

Proving Capability as a Batter

Masood’s first and foremost challenge lies in silencing his critics and justifying his place in the playing XI as a batter. Despite a promising double century in the warm-up game against the Prime Minister’s XI, Masood’s overall Test record remains less than stellar. With 30 Tests under his belt, he has amassed 1,597 runs at an average of 28.51, accompanied by only four centuries and seven fifties.

Particularly worrisome is Masood’s performance in Australia, where he has managed 156 runs in four innings at an average of 39. His inability to convert starts into substantial scores has been a persistent issue. Since his last Test hundred in August 2020, Masood has struggled, featuring in nine matches with a meager average of 15.75.

The 34-year-old captain must now rise to the occasion, proving himself not only as a leader but also as a reliable run-scorer. His innings against Australia will be a personal test of character, and success here could redefine his standing in the team.

Instilling Belief in the Team

As the captain, Masood shoulders the responsibility of instilling belief in a team that has historically struggled in Australia. Pakistan has not won a Test in Australia since 1995, and the captain faces the challenge of inspiring confidence in a squad that has suffered 14 consecutive defeats in the country since then.

The statistics are daunting, with only four wins in 37 Tests on Australian soil. Masood’s task extends beyond his performance; he must nurture a collective belief that Pakistan can compete and break the long-standing jinx. Despite the pre-series positive statements, convincing the team of their capabilities in the face of historical adversity is a monumental challenge.

Getting the Best out of Babar Azam

A unique challenge for Masood is managing the transition of former captain Babar Azam from leadership to a senior batter role. While Babar remains the most accomplished player in the Pakistan Test squad, Masood must ensure that the recent failures and the World Cup backlash haven’t impacted Babar’s mindset.

The shift in dynamics requires Masood to provide the necessary support, ensuring that Babar feels comfortable and valued in his new role. The burden of leadership has been lifted, but Masood must now extract the best from Babar’s bat by reassuring him of his continued significance to the team.

Shan Masood faces a triad of challenges in Australia – proving his mettle as a batter, instilling belief in the team, and managing the transition of former captain Babar Azam. The outcome of these challenges will not only shape the series against Australia but also define Masood’s captaincy tenure and influence Pakistan’s Test future. As the spotlight intensifies, Masood’s true test begins on Australian soil.