Coach Misbah-ul-Haq Impressed With Shan Masood
Image : Collected
|| Desk Report ||
Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq said that Shan Masood has "proved himself in England" his stunning century that helped the tourists to put up a decent score in the first Test at Old Trafford on Thursday. His 156 was the reason of Pakistan's first-innings total of 326 before getting all out whereas England struggling at 12-3 in reply.
England ended the second day on 92/4 -- a deficit of 264 runs as their star all-rounder Ben Stokes got out for 0 and England captain Joe Root dismissed for 14.
"It was an excellent performance by him, especially against a seam attack of (Stuart) Broad, (James) Anderson, (Chris) Woakes and (Jofra) Archer, and against an off-spinner (Bess) that was bowling well on a pitch where there was turn," said Misbah.
He further added, "It was good application and his hard work has paid off. "Now he has proved himself here in England, so I'm really pleased, especially as it's not (just) a hundred, (but) a big hundred. Still, we would have been in trouble if he only scored a hundred. But hundred-and-fifty plus, and through the innings, that was really special."
Pakistan had a great day on the field where Mohammad Abbas did fairly well.
"I'm so happy - it's crucial for you to take wickets with the new ball especially when the game is like this and you are playing with just 326 runs on the board," said the coach.
Notably, England is the first country to host the international series which started with the Test series between England and West Indies where England won by 2-1.
