Multan, Pakistan

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood reflects on his side's embarrassing performance in the first Test in Multan, which they lost by an inning and 47 runs. Pakistan scored 556 in the first innings yet lost the game with one inning left, becoming the first team in Test history to attain this unwanted record. 

Advertisment

"We've spoken about the third innings, but it's a team game, when you put 550 on the board, it's important to back it up with ten wickets, and that's what we didn't do. That's the key, how can the batting and bowling in the first innings contribute to a lead. The onus is to set the game up well and finish it off," Masood said after England wrapped up Pakistan on 220 in their second innings.

ALSO READ: Shambles! Pakistan fall to a new low, loses Multan Test against England by an inning

While Pakistan began brilliantly by removing England captain Ollie Pope on a second-ball duck in the second innings, what followed later took them by storm. 

Advertisment

England's most decorated pair in this XI - Joe Root and Harry Brook, went bonkers, smashing 262 and 317, respectively. Their 454-run stand for the fourth wicket is the highest for England for any wicket for any pair. 

After whacking Pakistan for nearly days, registering a whopping 823/7 declared - the fourth-highest team total ever, England wrapped up Pakistan's six wickets quickly before stumps on day four. 

Though Salman Agha and Aamer Jamal delayed the inevitable with a century-plus run partnership, England picked the remaining four wickets early on day five to beat Pakistan in the first Test. 

Advertisment

"We should learn from England, they found ways to take 20 wickets. That's the challenge the side has going forward. We're in the middle of the series, we've talked about a squad mentality. Test cricket is the ultimate format, the best teams find a way. Scoring runs and taking wickets are the non-negotiables," he continued.

'We're hurt'

With Pakistan losing their sixth consecutive Test under Shan Masood and seventh overall at home since 2022, the fans are hurt evidently, with the Test captain admitting that they will do everything possible to ensure a quick turnaround.

"We love playing the game, we're hurt by the results, we're hurt as a nation, but need a quick turnaround. We're not getting the results that Pakistan cricket deserves. We have to get this right as a squad."

Meanwhile, Multan will host the second Test starting Tuesday (Oct 13), and Rawalpindi will be the venue for the third and final Test. 

(With inputs from agencies)