![\"Pakistan](\"https:\/\/www.geo.tv\/assets\/uploads\/updates\/2024-09-30\/566657_9276291_updates.jpg\")
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- Shan Masood stresses backing team players.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n
- Says team deeply regretful of recent losses.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n
- “It is clear improvements are needed,” he says.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nPakistan Test team captain Shan Masood\u00a0on Monday said that he was optimistic for the future ahead of the upcoming Test series against England despite disappointing whitewash against Bangladesh.<\/p>\n
“It’s easy to make changes after a loss, but if we want to move forward, we must back our players,” Masood said while speaking at a press conference.<\/p>\n
The skipper’s remarks come as the national side is set to take on England in a three-match Test series against England commencing on October 7 at the Multan Cricket Stadium.<\/p>\n
The second match will also be played at the second venue whereas the third match is scheduled from October 24 to 28 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.<\/p>\n
The home series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25.<\/p>\n
Continuing on today, the red-ball captain said that the players were deeply regretful of the recent losses and are determined to achieve better results.<\/p>\n
“We’ve learned a lot about our physical and mental condition, and it’s clear that improvements are needed,” he added.<\/p>\n
Elaborating on his role as the team’s leader, Masood admitted that losing is always difficult and said: “As a captain, it feels terrible when the team loses. It wasn’t the ideal start, but accountability comes with defeat.”<\/p>\n
He also pointed out that the team had several opportunities to gain the upper hand against Bangladesh but failed to take advantage of them.<\/p>\n
“If Pakistan want to become a top Test side, we need to significantly improve both physical and mental fitness. Our conditioning should be on par with other top teams in the world,” the left-handed batter said while emphasising the importance of mental and physical fitness, particularly for Test cricket.<\/p>\n
He also addressed the return of Aamir Jamal from injury, noting that the current Test squad was selected based on player fitness.<\/p>\n
“For now, we’ve built the squad for one Test, considering the players’ fitness levels. Meanwhile, If required, Zahid Mahmood would be brought into the squad,” Masood explained.<\/p>\n
Concluding his remarks, Masood acknowledged the pressure of professional sports but affirmed that no player enjoys losing.<\/p>\n
It is to be noted that Mahmood will join the pre-test camp in Multan as the 16th player, but the final squad will be trimmed to 15 players for the first Test.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
- Says team deeply regretful of recent losses.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n