CAPTAIN Shan Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie have made it clear: Pakistan need to make the most of a jam-packed Test cricket season. Starting with a two-game series against Bangladesh this week, Pakistan are to play nine Tests until January next year, seven of them at home. With the home advantage on offer, Pakistan are setting their sights on the bigger prize. The skipper has already said that a spot in the World Test Championship final should be the aim. But for that, the side must start winning. The opening game of the series against Bangladesh will mark Pakistan’s first Test since the match against Australia in January. In Shan’s first series as captain, Pakistan suffered a 3-0 whitewash against Australia, but there has been a change in the backroom staff since then. Former Australia fast bowler Gillespie has taken up coaching duties; both he and Shan seem to agree that Pakistan’s identity in Test cricket needs to be forged. To ensure that, Pakistan must become formidable at home — just like the leading Test nations.

A three-match series against England, who whitewashed Pakistan on their last visit to the country, follows after the Bangladesh Tests. The West Indies come to Pakistan early next year for two Tests, after the national team return from South Africa, where they will play another two Tests. To improve Test performance, the Pakistan Cricket Board has aimed for more matches for the national development side Shaheens, which will offer exposure to the top domestic performers, and help them make the jump to the senior team. In doing so, the PCB is looking to address a key issue that has hampered the team, showing some clarity of thought on what needs to be done. Gillespie has said that the team has a blueprint of how it should play. The hope is that it works, starting with the series against Bangladesh.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2024