Saud Shakeel backs patience on tough pitches

Pakistan’s experienced batsman explains approach to difficult conditions

KARACHI: Pakistan's left-handed batsman Saud Shakeel has defended the need for patience when batting on challenging surfaces, saying adaptability and an understanding of match situations are crucial when conditions favour bowlers.
Saud scored 93 in Pakistan's first innings and 97 in the second in the drawn first Test against Sri Lanka, coming agonisingly close to centuries in both innings. Speaking to former Pakistan captain Salman Butt on the Straight Drive programme, Saud discussed his approach to batting on pitches offering movement and bounce, particularly under overcast conditions when the ball tends to swing.
Saud said batters generally have two options in such circumstances: adopt an ultra-aggressive approach or place faith in their defensive technique and build an innings.
"You have two options. You either play ultra-aggressively or, if you have confidence in your defence, you take that approach. But it also depends on how well you have assessed the pitch and what the situation demands," Saud said.
"I prefer attacking cricket on such pitches, but in both innings I could not get runs at the start. I was unable to score freely in the first 30 balls, and I realised that I would have to bat deep into the innings. Once I understood that, I stuck to my plan and continued accordingly."
Saud also explained that his approach during the match was shaped by the scoreboard and the time available as he sought to build a lead gradually while managing the clock.
"The situation in front of me was very clear, and it was important to take time out there. I also knew the match was unlikely to go beyond 4pm. I had the scoreboard in mind and wanted to build the lead gradually while also using up time. I was planning for both things, and God Almighty made it possible for me," he said.
Asked about Pakistan's batters repeatedly falling short of three figures, Saud acknowledged the concern but pointed to the demanding conditions in recent home and away Test assignments.
"That is also a reality. In our recent home series and overseas tours, apart from the Bangladesh tour, we have played on challenging pitches, and scoring big runs has not been easy. You can see that Test matches are also finishing within two or three days," he said.
However, Saud insisted that difficult conditions should not become an excuse for failing to reach three figures.
"It is not an excuse. Whenever we get the opportunity, we should score hundreds. But keeping the demands of the game and the pitch conditions in mind, sometimes even a contribution of 50 to 70 runs can be valuable for the team," he said.
The 29-year-old admitted that he was disappointed by his recent inability to convert promising starts into centuries, particularly after getting close to the landmark on several occasions.
"I also don't know how to plan for it, as my last few innings have gone that way. But I will keep trying to ensure that whatever runs I score contribute to Pakistan's victories. The only aim behind playing cricket is for Pakistan to win matches," he said.
Saud's twin near-centuries highlighted his ability to negotiate difficult batting conditions, although the left-hander acknowledged that converting such contributions into hundreds remains an area he wants to improve.
Meanwhile Pakistan team on Sunday also trained at the Islamabad Club to prepare for the second Test which will begin at the Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday (tomorrow).
It was an optional training session and 12 players were seen undergoing training while four did not opt to train.
Mostly batting practice was done and skipper Babar Azam was also seen further fine-tuning batting skills.