Specific focus during camps will help in countering spin in Sri Lanka: Shakeel

GALLE: Pakistan’s left-handed batter Saud Shakeel believes a specific focus on playing against spin in the side’s preparatory camps in Lahore and Karachi will help him in countering spin on Sri Lankan pitches ahead of the start of two-game Test series starting from Sunday at Galle International Cricket Stadium.

Shakeel was one of the four players to make a debut in the first Test against England in Rawalpindi and was quick to make an impression with a fourth-innings knock of 76. He further made a 214-ball 94 in Multan to take Pakistan in the touching distance of chasing 355 before being declared caught behind down the leg by the third umpire.

He scored another second innings half-century in the next Test in Karachi through 53 and when New Zealand arrived in Karachi for the two Tests, he registered his maiden Test century with a 341-ball 125 not out in the second Test at the same venue where he had brought up his maiden first-class ton.

The tour to Sri Lanka, which kickstarts the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle for both teams, will be Shakeel’s first brush with playing Test cricket away from home.

“We have had good preparations leading into this series with camps in Lahore and Karachi. I’ve focused on enhancing my skills and adding a few more shots in the repertoire.”

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