Pakistan will be without key batter Shan Masood for the second ICC World Test Championship fixture against the West Indies in Port of Spain. Masood sustained a finger injury during the first Test, which concluded with a 90-run victory for the West Indies.
The injury occurred in Pakistan’s first innings of the opening Test in Trinidad when a delivery from Jayden Seales struck Masood on the finger. Following this incident, Pakistan confirmed that Masood has been ruled out of the upcoming match.
Injury sidelines Masood
According to a statement from Pakistan, Masood suffered an injury to the index finger of his left hand. This happened during the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. Scans and a clinical assessment have been conducted, and Masood is currently receiving treatment from the team’s medical panel.
The extent of the injury means Masood will miss the second match of the series, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday at Queen’s Park Oval. Furthermore, his participation in the start of the upcoming Test series against England, set to commence on August 19, remains uncertain and will depend on his recovery and clinical progress. Despite being sidelined for the second Test, Masood will remain with the team.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam confirmed the impact of Masood’s injury on the team’s batting plans during their defeat. Azam stated that Masood’s finger was fractured, and his absence was felt by the team.
In the first Test, Masood was forced to bat at number eight in the second innings due to his injury. Pakistan were bowled out for 120 runs, marking their eighth consecutive away Test defeat. This result leaves them at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship standings, one spot below the West Indies.
Team’s batting struggles and potential replacements
The batting performance of Pakistan was a significant factor in their loss during the opening Test against the West Indies. Captain Babar Azam acknowledged the team’s struggles, despite scoring a half-century himself. He noted that the batting unit was not up to the mark and failed to form crucial partnerships, especially when facing the new ball.
Azam explained that the team had prepared for the new ball movement on the surface, but the West Indies bowlers, particularly Jayden Seales who claimed five wickets, utilized the conditions effectively. The team plans to discuss their mistakes and work towards improvement.
With Masood’s absence, Pakistan’s selectors have several options to consider for the second fixture. Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel, both experienced batters, were added to the squad after Abdullah Fazal was ruled out before the first Test due to a back injury. Both are now in contention for a spot in the playing eleven.
Additionally, uncapped right-handed batter Awais Zafar is also being considered for a potential debut. These players provide alternatives for the team as they look to address their batting concerns and aim for a better performance in the upcoming Test match.
The second Test between Pakistan and the West Indies is scheduled to begin on August 2 in Port of Spain.
Source: icc-cricket.com
