LONDON: Pakistan have received a major boost ahead of the first Test in England as experienced batter Shan Masood returned to training. The three-match series, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), begins at Headingley, Leeds on Aug 19.
Left-handed Shan injured his finger during the opening Test of Pakistan’s recent series against the West Indies in the Caribbean. He then watched from the sidelines as the team ended a three-year drought. Pakistan recorded their first victory away from home since 2023 in the second Test, which drew the series 1-1.
Shan Masood Returns to Training
The stylish batter trained with the rest of Pakistan’s squad at Beckenham on Tuesday. He now appears on track to return to the lineup for the first Test against England in Leeds from Aug 19.
“The national Test squad took part in a practice session at Kent County Cricket Club in Beckenham. The players participated in batting and bowling net practice during the session,” the Pakistan camp in England confirmed.
“Injured batter Shan Masood also took part in the practice session. Under the supervision of the medical team, he carried out batting practice.”
Pakistan currently sit in eighth place on the WTC standings. The team will look to continue its recent resurgence in England under new skipper Babar Azam.
Before the first Test, Pakistan will play a three-day tour match in Beckenham.
Pakistan Prepare for First Test
The clash against a Professional County Club Select XI was originally scheduled to take place across four days. It was due to begin on Aug 12.
The match has now been reduced to a three-day fixture. It commences on Aug 13.
Shan’s return gives Pakistan another experienced batting option ahead of the important Test series. His fitness will remain a key factor as the team prepares for its opening match against England.
Babar Azam Back Inside Top 10
Meanwhile, a trio of Pakistan stars have earned rewards for their recent triumph in the West Indies. They have made big gains on the latest ICC Test player rankings.
Pakistan defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the second match of their ICC WTC series. Babar, recalled batter Abdullah Shafique and spinner Sajid Khan led the way.
Babar scored a superb 88 in the first innings. He also remained unbeaten on 24 in the second innings.
His performances helped him improve five places. He now sits 10th on the updated rankings for Test batters.
It is the first time Babar has entered the top 10 for Test batters since the start of September in 2024. The move ends a drought of almost two years for the right-hander.
Abdullah Shafique and Sajid Khan Make Gains
Abdullah’s efforts against the West Indies overshadowed those of Babar. The Pakistan No.3 scored an excellent unbeaten 160 in the first innings.
The performance helped the right-hander gain 25 slots. He now sits 32nd among Test batters.
Sajid was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers during the Test. The right-arm spinner improved five places to reach 30th among Test bowlers.
He also jumped five spots to move to 32nd among Test all-rounders.
ICC Test Rankings
Australia left-hander Travis Head remains at the top of the rankings for Test batters.
India pace spearhead maintains a lead at the head of the list for Test bowlers. Ravindra Jadeja remains the No.1 ranked Test all-rounder.
Pakistan will now turn its attention to England. Shan Masood’s return to training provides another positive development ahead of the three-match WTC series.
