Shan Masood: “We have an abundance of talented openers. Unfortunately, Imam-ul-Haq is not part of this series, but he remains a vital member of our Test squad”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood still considers opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq a “vital member of our Test squad”, even though he was dropped for the two-match series against Bangladesh.
Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique were the go-to openers in the series, with the former making 135 runs, which included two fifties, at an average of 33.75.
As for Shafique, he didn’t do as well, mustering 42 runs at an average of 10.50.
Despite Imam losing his place in the side, Masood insisted that the 28-year-old can still return and reclaim his spot.
“We have an abundance of talented openers. Unfortunately, Imam-ul-Haq is not part of this series, but he remains a vital member of our Test squad,” he was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
Masood ended up scoring 105 runs in the Tests against Bangladesh, which included a top score of 57, at an average of 26.25.
Pakistan lost the series 2-0 and will now go up against England in a three-match Test series, which will take place from October 7 to 28.
Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh Test Series: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Hurraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Shaheen Shah Afridi
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