Picking 20 Wickets is Non-Negotiable in Tests - Shan Masood

Pakistan's recent Test victory against England in Multan marked a significant turnaround in their approach to the game. After suffering six consecutive defeats and being winless in home Tests for nearly four years, Pakistan made a radical shift in strategy for the second Test. The decision to field three specialist spinners and only one fast bowler—a seam-bowling all-rounder—proved fruitful, as the hosts secured a comprehensive 152-run win over England. This victory not only brought relief to the team but also highlighted the importance of adapting to conditions and understanding the need for taking 20 wickets in Test cricket.

Shan Masood, Pakistan's captain, emphasized the necessity of taking 20 wickets to win Test matches, a fundamental requirement that cannot be compromised. "This is a long process and journey," Masood stated after the win. "Twenty wickets is non-negotiable in Tests, and conditions in the fourth innings are rarely batting-friendly. We need to understand our conditions and figure out the right combinations that can get us those 20 wickets."

The overhaul in strategy came after Pakistan had struggled on unresponsive pitches, a problem that had persisted since their series against Australia in March 2022. At that time, Pakistan's cricket board (PCB) opted for flat surfaces in an attempt to neutralize Australia's pace and spin attack. However, this tactic backfired, and Pakistan's struggles continued against teams like England and New Zealand, with the team unable to secure victories on home soil.

The win in Multan, however, showed that Pakistan's management was willing to adapt. By reusing the pitch from the first Test—an unprecedented move in Test cricket—the team successfully exploited the surface's turning nature. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, Pakistan's two specialist spinners, took all 20 English wickets, making them only the second pair of spinners in Test history to achieve such a feat. Their performances were bolstered by the pitch conditions, which suited their bowling styles perfectly.

Masood acknowledged the importance of this win, particularly in the context of Pakistan's recent failures. "This was a very important win for Pakistan cricket," he said. "The recent results were unacceptable, and there is a sense of relief, both among the players and the fans. Since I took over, we have been willing to take risks and play cricket that brings results. We've lost a lot of matches doing that, but we want to become a team that can produce results anywhere."

Despite the success in Multan, Masood was quick to point out that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy in Test cricket. Pakistan cannot rely solely on spin-friendly pitches at home; instead, they need to understand the unique characteristics of each venue and tailor their approach accordingly. "It is about assessing our home conditions and knowing the differences between each ground," Masood said. "I don't think we will adopt a strategy where we prepare spinning tracks everywhere. To be a good Test team, you need to understand the characteristics of your grounds and soil."

The shift in strategy for the second Test was driven in part by Pakistan's new selection committee, which took charge after the team's defeat in the first Test. Masood credited the selection committee for making the bold decision to play on a reused pitch, a move that paid off handsomely. "The decision to play the second Test on a reused surface was a team effort," he said. "But it was also influenced by the new selection committee, which made some key decisions after our defeat in the first Test."

Pakistan's victory was built on a strong first innings performance with the bat, where they posted a total of 220 runs. Masood emphasized the importance of building a big first innings total and then using the bowlers to create pressure on the opposition. "We need big first innings with the bat, and then the bowlers need to back that up to give us a lead," he explained. "The 75-run lead in the third innings took the pressure off us and gave us a target of nearly 300 for England to chase."

Masood’s comments also highlighted the psychological shift within the team, especially after enduring a string of losses. The pressure had been mounting on the captain and the management, but Masood chose to remain focused on the bigger picture. "There will always be criticism," he admitted. "I try to take constructive criticism on board and ignore what isn't useful. This isn't about me but about the team as a whole. We were all hurting after letting the last series slip and some games in Australia, and we kept wondering how we could turn things around."

The win in Multan was particularly sweet for Masood, who had faced calls to step down as captain after Pakistan's poor run of form. He had struggled with the bat in recent matches, managing scores of 11, 3, and 11 after scoring 151 in the first innings against England in the first Test. However, the victory in Multan has given him and the team a much-needed boost in confidence ahead of the third Test, which will take place in Rawalpindi on October 24.

The conditions in Rawalpindi, however, are expected to be different from those in Multan. The cooler weather and the fact that the venue last hosted a first-class match in September will pose new challenges for Pakistan as they look to secure a series win. Masood is aware that replicating the conditions of the second Test will not be easy, but he remains optimistic about his team’s ability to adapt. "Winning on a spin-friendly wicket was heartening, but what was more encouraging was our ability to change strategies and respond to different conditions," he said.

As Pakistan prepares for the final Test in Rawalpindi, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum gained from the victory in Multan. For Masood and his team, the key to success lies in their ability to understand their strengths, adapt to different conditions, and continue to take risks that will ultimately bring results. "We want to become a team that can produce results anywhere," Masood concluded, signaling his intent to lead Pakistan back to the top of the Test cricket world.

The third and final Test of the series will be crucial for both teams, as Pakistan looks to build on their victory and England seeks to bounce back from their defeat. Whatever the outcome, Pakistan’s performance in Multan has shown that they are a team capable of adapting and evolving, with a captain who is determined to lead them to success.