Former Test Cricketer Calls For Change In Shan Masood’s Batting Position

Former Pakistani Test cricketer Basit Ali calls for a change in the batting position of red-ball captain Shan Masood in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

In a recent YouTube video, Ali advised Masood to change his current role at number three and take up the opening position across all formats.

Ali, who had previously suggested Masood change the length of his bat, now highlighted that batting at number three is detrimental to both Masood and the Pakistan team. He asserts that Masood’s skills would be better utilized as an opening batter.

Masood shared insights from his stint with Yorkshire during a press conference, including his experiences with the Kookaburra ball.

This comparison did not sit well with the former cricketer, who criticized Masood for focusing on Yorkshire rather than addressing issues within the Pakistan team.

Ali expressed his dissatisfaction with Masood’s use of international examples, stating, “You are the captain of Pakistan, not Yorkshire.”

“Instead of comparing yourself to players like Joe Root and Harry Brook, highlight the strengths and talents of your teammates, such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah.” Basit Ali remarked.

The Test cricketer pointed out that Masood should focus on Pakistan’s domestic context and challenges, rather than drawing comparisons with English cricket considering their pitches are completely different from sub-continent.

His comments reflected a broader concern for improving team cohesion and performance by addressing local issues directly.