Pakistan have suffered another major setback on their Caribbean tour after losing the opening Test against the West Indies. Their experienced top-order batter Shan Masood has been ruled out of the second Test after sustaining a finger injury during his century in the first match.
Masood was the only centurion from either side in the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. He injured the index finger of his left hand after being struck by a delivery from Jayden Seales during Pakistan’s first innings. Despite his fighting hundred, Pakistan eventually lost the match by 90 runs.
PCB Confirms Shan Masood’s Injury
The second Test between Pakistan and West Indies will begin on August 2, but Masood will not be available for selection. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also confirmed that his participation in the first Test against England, starting on August 19 at Headingley, Leeds, will depend on his recovery.
The PCB said:
“Pakistan Test batter Shan Masood has been ruled out of the second Test against the West Indies after sustaining an injury to the index finger of his left hand during the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.”
The board further added:
“Following a scan and clinical assessment, Shan is currently undergoing treatment from the Pakistan team medical panel.”
It also confirmed:
“His availability for the first Test against England starting 19 August at Leeds will depend on his recovery and clinical progress. In the meantime, he will remain with the team.”
Pakistan Will Miss Masood’s Experience
Shan Masood was one of the few Pakistan batters who looked comfortable against the strong West Indies pace attack led by Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales and Justin Greaves. Along with Babar Azam, he showed the most resistance as the rest of the batting lineup struggled throughout the match.
Pakistan’s batting was one of the biggest reasons behind their defeat in the first Test. While chasing a target of 210 in the fourth innings, the visitors failed to build meaningful partnerships and were unable to cross the finish line. Masood’s absence in the second Test will make Pakistan’s task even more difficult.
Who Can Replace Shan Masood?
Saud Shakeel appears to be the most experienced option available to replace Masood in the playing XI. The left-handed batter has already established himself in Test cricket and averages close to 44.
If the team management decides to try a new face, 26-year-old Awais Zafar could be handed his Test debut. The right-handed batter has been impressive in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, scoring 2,278 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 43.
Can Pakistan Bounce Back?
With Pakistan currently placed ninth in the World Test Championship standings, the second Test has become a crucial contest. The visitors will need a much-improved batting performance if they want to level the series without one of their most experienced batters.
Meanwhile, the West Indies will be confident of continuing their dominance at home after producing an impressive all-round performance in the series opener. It will be interesting to see whether Pakistan can bounce back or if the Caribbean side can seal another memorable Test victory.
