Star all-rounder, Shadab Khan, recently shared his thoughts on his comeback to red-ball cricket and expressed his desire to represent Pakistan in the Test format.
In an interview, Shadab emphasized his readiness to play first-class cricket to enhance his skills and stake a claim for a place in the Test side. He revealed that his ultimate goal is to make a comeback in the Test series against Australia following the World Cup.
The Challenges of Red-Ball Cricket and Shadab’s Preparation
Shadab acknowledged that red-ball cricket demands specific skills, techniques, temperament, and extensive preparation due to its demanding nature. The 24-year-old spinner understands the significance of investing sufficient time to adapt and excel in the longest format of the game.
Reflecting on his previous experience in the Test squad, Shadab highlighted that playing five consecutive Test matches allowed him to feel comfortable and establish himself as a competent red-ball cricketer. However, he also noted that being dropped from the setup in 2020, combined with persistent injuries, were the turning points leading to his exclusion from the national team.
Shadab’s Test Record and His Performance in Limited-Overs Cricket
Having represented Pakistan in six Test matches, Shadab Khan has showcased his potential as an all-rounder. He has scored 300 runs at an impressive average of 33.3 and has taken 14 wickets with an economy rate of 3.22.
While excelling in red-ball cricket is his current focus, Shadab remains a vital member of the white-ball team. His remarkable performances include 104 wickets in T20I matches and 73 wickets in ODI cricket, achieved in 92 and 56 matches, respectively.
