Delhi: Pakistan's Test captain Shan Masood said that consistency has been maintained in the team selection for the first Test against England starting on Monday in Multan. The fast bowling trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Aamir Jamal have returned to the team in the first match of the three-match Test series. Pakistan recorded its last Test win on its soil in February 2021 against South Africa in Rawalpindi. After this, Pakistan has lost six consecutive tests and four have been drawn.

Masood said, “There is a lot of sadness among the players. 2024 has not been a good year for Pakistan cricket and we want to see our fans happy. Here, after religion, cricket is most important and everyone is aware of the performance of our team, so we are sad. The answer to this should be positive. We have left the past behind and tried to maintain continuity in selection. We have not made any changes just because of defeat. We have confidence in this group of players and with coach Jason Gillespie we are trying to build a team mentality. Players are being given full support to change things.”

Pakistan's performance in test from 2021

Since the win against South Africa in 2021, Pakistan has played a total of 23 Tests, with only 8 wins – against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and West Indies. Had to face defeat in 11 matches, which include Australia, England, Sri Lanka and West Indies. The remaining four Tests were drawn, which were played against Australia and New Zealand.

Masood said, “Multan is a new ground for us and we will make a strategy after seeing the final condition of the pitch. We have planned to have three seamers and two spinners like England and depth has also been brought in the batting. We are familiar with England's aggressive baseball game and how they have impressed the world with their innovative approach to cricket.”