'You Cannot Hope To Qualify For The Final': Shan Masood Stresses the Importance Of Home Wins

Pakistan white ball captain [X.com]

Pakistan's red-ball captain, Shan Masood, has emphasized the critical need for his team to develop a consistent winning habit on home soil if they hope to make a mark on the international stage and qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. 

Head coach Jason Gillespie has also expressed hope that playing seven out of nine Tests at home this season will allow the team to discover effective strategies and conditions that can finally turn their fortunes around.

We have yet to find the perfect approach

In a recent podcast, Shan Masood candidly discussed the team's struggles to leverage home advantage, noting,

"We have yet to find the perfect approach to taking advantage of home conditions and winning. Unless you can win at home, you cannot hope to qualify for the final of the World Test Championship."

Masood's appointment as Test captain followed Babar Azam's decision to step down after Pakistan's disappointing early exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup. 

Retained as skipper for the upcoming international assignments starting in July, Masood faces the challenging task of reversing Pakistan's recent poor form at home. 

Despite the return of international cricket to Pakistan in 2019, the Test side has suffered notable losses to Australia and England, with a drawn series against New Zealand further highlighting their struggles. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and team management faced criticism for preparing flat pitches during the 2022-23 season, a tactic perceived as a defensive move to avoid losses. 

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