Shan Masood Counters England’s ‘Bazball’ with a Flourishing Knock
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Shan Masood’s Century Leads Pakistan’s Response to ‘Bazball’
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Pakistan Gains Upper Hand with Shan Masood’s Explosive Knock Against England
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English Bowlers Struggle as Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique Shine in Multan
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Shan Masood’s Heroics Boost Pakistan Amid Babar Azam’s Struggles
This wasn’t the start Ollie Pope had hoped for. For English bowlers who’ve sharpened their skills on seaming pitches, the slow bounce of Asian tracks has always been a challenge. Losing the toss on the first day of the series didn’t help either.
The harsh sun of Multan was unforgiving, draining the English players, who are more accustomed to mild English weather. To add to their troubles, England’s pace attack lacked experience.
Pope’s misfortune turned into Shan Masood’s opportunity, and he seized it. The past few months had been tough for Shan, with Pakistan failing to win any of the first five matches under his captaincy, leaving little room for relief from any quarter of Pakistan cricket.
After Saim Ayub’s early dismissal, gifting Atkinson the first wicket, England’s camp hoped that this Pakistani innings wouldn’t trouble their nerves much. Given Pakistan’s batting form in the last five matches, it seemed a fair expectation.
But Shan Masood, riding on Atkinson and Carse’s bounce, turned the aggressive approach against the English. When he stepped out against the spinners, it was clear that England’s bowling would face further tests, and Pakistan’s confidence would grow.
Shan not only restored his form with a substantial knock but also played with an impressive strike rate, showcasing the authority and determination he wants to instill in his team.
His innings was the perfect counter to the ‘Bazball’ bowling. As Shan’s knock progressed, Abdullah Shafique, who had started cautiously, also opened up and delivered a beautiful century—a morale booster for a batting lineup struggling with form.
While Shan, Abdullah, and Salman’s centuries were cause for celebration, Babar Azam’s poor form continued to linger.
Babar and Saud Shakeel’s partnership slowed down the aggressive tempo of the Pakistani innings, which might prove decisive in the final outcome. When both openers fell in the late evening session, it wasn’t due to exceptional English bowling but exhaustion from the heat of Multan.
The breaking of the partnership not only revived England’s confidence but also put pressure on the new batsmen at the crease. Chris Woakes capitalized on this, dismissing Babar Azam.
Gus Atkinson is new to Test cricket, while Brydon Carse was playing his first match, and the attack was led by Chris Woakes, who has never excelled in foreign conditions. However, the effort shown by the English pacers on this dead pitch was commendable.
The discipline of England’s bowling and Pakistan’s middle-order’s struggles meant that Pakistan fell short of their expected run rate. Although the scoreboard looks promising for Pakistan, the way England accelerates their innings keeps rival captains and bowlers on edge. And while Pakistan built their innings at a better-than-usual rate, there’s still a day left for the pitch to break down.
Tomorrow, Pakistan’s bowlers will face a stern test of how well they can hold back England’s aggressive batsmen.
Though Pakistan’s total is encouraging, ‘Bazball’ has shifted the dynamics of Test cricket to such an extent that a surprising English comeback can never be ruled out.
