'Team is fully united': Captain Shan Masood believes

Pakistan Test team captain Shan Masood has said that as captain, he believes the team is fully united.

He acknowledged the disappointment of the players after the defeat against Bangladesh but affirmed that the team is eager to deliver good results.

While speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Shan Masood said that the upcoming series against England is very important for Pakistan.

He emphasized that although making changes after a defeat is easy, the key is to back the players if they are to move forward.

He added that the loss against Bangladesh has been painful for everyone, which is why the team will approach the England series with a match-by-match combination strategy.

The team for the first Test has been announced, and players' fitness and performance will be evaluated to plan for the upcoming matches.

In response to a question, Shan Masood said that Zahid Mahmood's inclusion will be decided based on the conditions in Multan.

Shan Masood also mentioned that good cricket was witnessed during the Champions Cup, and such performances led to better preparation. The tournament also provided insight into the players' fitness levels.

He clarified that Mohammad Rizwan remains a permanent part of the team, but in the short term, Sarfaraz Ahmed is the best alternative.

He added that it is not feasible to introduce a new wicketkeeper immediately in Test matches. Coaches are working with young wicketkeepers and openers with future planning in mind.

Test captain Shan Masood also praised Babar Azam, calling him the world's number one and one of the best batsmen.

He stressed the importance of giving players full opportunities and stated that everyone, including Kamran Ghulam and Saim Ayub, will have a chance to showcase their performance.