How does it feel when calm follows a storm? When peace emerges from chaos? When affirmation replaces doubt? Imagine standing in a stadium, cheered by hundreds after a long, arduous wait—this was the sensation for Shan Masood today as he found himself at the center stage of Test cricket after struggling through his last 27 innings.
This long-awaited performance came amidst rumors that he might be replaced as captain following disappointing outings with the bat and a series loss to Bangladesh.
Nevertheless, Masood played a vital and crucial knock of 151 on the opening day of the first Test match, laying a strong foundation for the team while leading from the front. Remarkably, the last time Masood scored a century was almost four years ago, and it was against the same opponent.
Before his stunning 151, Masood had averaged just 29 in Test cricket. This innings not only provided a much-needed boost to his confidence but also raised his average above 30 for the first time in years.
During this remarkable innings, Masood broke several records. He became the fastest Pakistani batter to score a century since 2015, achieving his fifth Test century in just 102 balls. Additionally, his partnership with Abdullah Shafique became the highest second-wicket partnership for Pakistan in Test cricket, as the duo added an impressive 253 runs together after Saim Ayub fell cheaply.
Masood and the team played with a striking run rate, averaging around 4 runs per over. Inspired by the “Bazball” approach during England’s tour of Pakistan two years ago, he led from the front and made a statement about how he wants Pakistan to play.
“The way we played, the way we put pressure on them, and the way we kept running hard to score at 4.5-5 runs per over—that’s crucial. If we had just set up shop and tried to defend, I don’t think we would have posted 328 on the board,” he said.
Masood aggressively targeted young spinner Shoaib Bashir, putting the inexperienced English bowling attack under pressure. Earlier, he had survived an lbw call by the on-field umpire but chose to attack the bowlers fearlessly.
“There was an opportunity, and after the new-ball spell, the pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers,” he explained. “If you can get the spinners away, you change the way they bowl. On a first-day wicket, when you’ve had a good start, that’s when you have to cash in.”
“From 30, still to 100, I was trying not to give anything away,” Masood said. “I’ve been very guilty of getting to those 30s, 40s and 50s and not carrying on. Today, I had that responsibility. When I played that pull shot off Atkinson, I had my heart in my mouth: I said, ‘Nothing [else] before 100.'”
As of now, Pakistan holds the upper hand, but with this team, the unexpected is always possible. One thing is certain: this time, Shan and the coach Jason will not think of declaring the innings, as they did during the first Test against Bangladesh.
