Shan Masood celebrates Bazball ahead of England clash

Ashes rivals Australia are among those who have scoffed at the idea that England are breaking new ground but 2024 has been a fast-scoring year in Test cricket - never more than in India's recent victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, when their run-rate sat at an electrifying 8.22 in the first innings.

And Masood, who has spent time in county cricket with Derbyshire and Yorkshire in recent seasons, gives England the credit.

"It has had an effect on the world. The best thing England has done is realise there are other perspectives and things that might suit you," he said.

"Sometimes we get too caught up in set ways of doing things. The key is to find new ways of doing things. That is how the world has always progressed and cricket is no different. It is like life. You try and evolve and create new ways and England have been pioneers in that."

Masood desperately needs to find a way to clip the tourists' wings over the next three weeks as he seeks to bring some joy back to his nation's cricketing public.

Things have been turbulent in the ranks for some time, with reports of in-house disputes between key players and a 2-0 home defeat Bangladesh taking his own record as skipper to five consecutive losses.

"There is a lot of hurt within the players and 2024 has not been a good year for Pakistan cricket," he said.

"We like to see our fans happy. After religion cricket comes next, everyone is clued up on how the cricket team is doing so we are hurting. The answer is to be positive. We let the past go. The players are being backed to turn things around."

Pakistan have a revitalised bowling attack at their disposal with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Aamer Jamal and Abrar Ahmed all back after missing the games against Bangladesh.

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