Pakistan captain Shan Masood blames bowlers after shambolic defeat to England: 'We are hurt as a nation'

Pakistan captain Shan Masood said that the country is “hurt as a nation” after the shambolic defeat in the Multan Test, and added that they will try to come back stronger in the second Test. read more

Pakistan captain Shan Masood has blamed the bowlers for the Multan Test defeat to England on Friday. Pakistan have become the first team to lose by an innings in a Test despite scoring 500-plus runs in the first innings. They are also winless at home since 2022 in 11 Tests and have lost their last six Tests under Masood’s captaincy.

Pakistan scored 556 in the first innings, but England replied with 823/7 declared and cleaned up the hosts for just 220 in the second innings to win by an innings and 47 runs.

Advertisement

‘You have to find a way’

Reflecting on the humiliating defeat, Masood said that Pakistan bowlers’ inability to take 20 wickets backfired against the hosts.

“We can learn from England as well. They’ve found a way to get those 20 wickets. Can’t win Test matches without picking up 20 wickets. As a team, yes we have that second innings of batting to improve, but we have to learn to pick up 20 wickets,” Masood said after the match.

Read: More ignominy for Pakistan as they lose Multan Test despite scoring 500-plus runs

“That’s the challenge as a side going forward. We’re in the middle of the series, we’ve talked about squad mentality and consistency. Where I’d like the team to improve is - no matter how the pitch is, we have to find a way out. England showed that. We have to give huge credit to them.”

“Test quality cricket is the ultimate format. And in the ultimate format, you have to find out ways to get the opposition out. Sometimes you get conditions in your favour, sometimes you don’t. But the best teams always find a way. And for us, the learning curve is how can we find ways of scoring runs and picking wickets.”

‘Pakistan is hurt’

Masood said that Pakistan is “hurt as a nation” after the shambolic defeat in the Multan Test, and added that they will try to come back stronger in the second Test.

“We’re obviously hurt by the results, hurt as a nation,” Masood added. “But the beauty of the game is it always gives you another chance. Life gives you another chance. So the quick turnaround might be beneficial for us and we’re looking forward to it.

Advertisement

“I never try and shy away from responsibility. What hurts is that we’re not getting the results that Pakistan cricket deserves. We’re all trying hard, we’re going to give it our all. And we are going to try and turn it around. We take the responsibility upon our shoulders. We have to get it right as a squad and as a cricket playing nation.”

The second Test will be played at the same venue from 15 October.

Click here to read article