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‘We Can Win The Series’ - Shadab Khan Makes Bold Statement Ahead Of AUS-PAK Boxing Day Test

image-lql3x5s9Pakistan team in Perth (x.com)

Despite a setback in the first Test against Australia, Pakistan white-ball specialist Shadab Khan remains optimistic about the team's chances in the ongoing three-Test series. Shadab believes that Pakistan can stage a comeback and clinch the series by winning the remaining two matches in Melbourne and Sydney.

In the first Test in Perth, Pakistan had to chase a daunting target of 450 in the fourth innings. Unfortunately, the team collapsed for a mere 89 runs in 30.2 overs, resulting in a big 360-run defeat. In their first innings, Pakistan was dismissed for 271 in response to Australia's 487.

The Shan Masood-led team will be determined to turn the tide in the upcoming matches. Shadab highlighted the positive morale within the team despite the historical challenges of winning in Australia.

“We have not won a match in Australia since 1995 but the morale of the team was good as I was also in the camp. This team has not toured Australia for winning a match but for winning the series,”  Shadab Khan told reporters.

Having not won a match in Australia since 1995, Pakistan is eyeing a series victory rather than a singular win. Shadab emphasized the team's focus on securing the series, looking ahead to the matches in Melbourne and Sydney where the conditions are expected to favor them.

“The conditions in Melbourne and Sydney suit us and hopefully if our bowling clicked and they got 20 wickets then we can win the series”  Shadab added.

Reflecting on the injury concerns within the team, Shadab acknowledged the absence of players like Noman Ali, who underwent surgery, and spinner Abrar Ahmad, facing fitness issues. While injuries can be attributed to workload, Shadab clarified that the recent injuries in the Pakistan camp are not solely due to workload. He noted Noman Ali's surgery and mentioned that consistent play, coupled with inadequate recovery, can lead to niggles evolving into injuries.

“Injuries may happen due to workload but these injuries which are happening in the Pakistan camp are not due to workload as Noman Ali underwent operation. Abrar also has been consistently playing since long and niggles may happen. And if you don’t recover, they go towards injuries,”  Shadab concluded.

In the batting department, Pakistan will rely on the likes of captain Shan Masood, in-form opener Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Ali Agha, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan to contribute significantly with the bat. On the bowling front, the team will depend heavily on vice-captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamer Jamal, Hasan Ali/Mir Hamza to provide crucial breakthroughs and bolster Pakistan's chances in the remaining Tests.