Ahead of the two-Test series against Bangladesh starting on August 21, Naseem Shah highlighted the demanding nature of Test cricket. He emphasized that the format challenges players both physically and mentally, requiring them to be at their best throughout the series. Shah’s comments reflect the rigorous preparation and resilience needed to excel in Test matches, underscoring the importance of endurance and focus as the team gears up for the upcoming clash.
Naseem Shah Talked About Test Ahead of Their 1st Test:
Naseem Shah, with 51 wickets in 17 Test matches, noted the challenges of securing wickets in the longest format. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced their XI for the first Test against Bangladesh, featuring Shan Masood and a formidable pace attack. Shaheen Shah Afridi will spearhead the bowling, with Naseem Shah as the second-most experienced pacer in the lineup. This combination aims to make a significant impact in the upcoming series.
He said, “ It is called ‘Test’ because it tests you physically and mentally. You get frustrated when you don’t get a wicket and have to spend considerable amounts of time in the ground. So, the preparation is simple: increasing the bowling load and stay in the ground for longer. Just be in the ground from 10am until 5pm. Be more disciplined and consistent with the ball. The actual test is to be repetitive and bowl on the same spot repeatedly. The reward, of course, is sweeter.”
He further said, “ It is not easy to dismiss batters in Tests. You get wickets in white-ball cricket because they go for slogs and end up making mistakes. You may go for runs, but you know wickets are around the corner.But, you don’t forget the wickets that you get in Test cricket. You remember them for your whole life, because you have earned them with your hard work.”
He added, “ It is only you who know how consistent you have been to get those wickets. You relish those dismissals when you watch them on TV and they bring back the memories of the set-ups that you had laid to get them. So, that’s the difference, you need a lot of passion in Test cricket.”
Pakistan’s Playing XI for 1st Test: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali
Naseem Shah’s Test Career:
Selected as a Test specialist for Pakistan in 2019, the 21-year-old right-arm fast bowler has amassed 51 wickets across 17 matches. He is set to return to action in the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, commencing on August 21. This series marks his return to international cricket, where his performance will be closely watched as he looks to build on his impressive record and contribute significantly to Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
