Sports

Shan focused on form, fitness

By Our Correspondent

December 08, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood is more focused on staying fit and in form rather than achieving big personal milestones in international cricket.

Taking to media at the end of the second day’s side match against Australian PM XI in Canberra Thursday, he said for him it was more important to stay fit and focused.

Pakistans Shan Masood raises his bat after passing 50 runs during the ICC mens T20 World Cup 2022 cricket match between India and Pakistan at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on October 23, 2022. — AFP — Pakistan's Shan Masood raises his bat after passing 50 runs during the ICC men's T20 World Cup 2022 cricket match between India and Pakistan at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on October 23, 2022. — AFP

“Staying fit and in form is more important for me rather pursuing personal landmarks. All my effort is to stay focused and make the best use of my abilities.”

He hoped that the side-match would help Pakistan tune up well for the Test series. “This is the only side match before the start of the Test series. It is a first-class match that requires competitiveness. I am glad we came up well in every department. Even bowlers bowled well today and kept PM XI scoring rate in control.”

Shan was optimistic about fully utilizing the next two days to get the required practice for the opening Test starting in Perth on December 14.