Pakistan bolsters batting line‑up as Masood clears injury

Shan Masood, the Pakistan cricketer who suffered a finger injury on the West Indies tour, has been cleared to resume full training ahead of the home Test series against England. The former captain participated in a structured practice session at Kent County Cricket Club’s Beckenham facilities, focusing on net batting under the watchful eye of the team’s medical staff.

The timing of Masood’s return is crucial, as the first of the three‑match series is scheduled for August 19, leaving just a week for final squad decisions. Management officials hinted that his involvement in the Beckenham session significantly improves his chances of featuring in the opening match.

Masood’s injury forced him out of the second innings of his maiden Test in the West Indies, where he had earlier celebrated a hundred. Missing the following Test, his absence was keenly felt in the batting order. Now back in form, the left‑hander returns to the number three slot, a position that benefits from his experience and recent county cricket exposure.

Pakistan, positioned eighth in the World Test Championship, will look to maintain the aggressive brand of cricket displayed under Babar Azam’s captaincy. A three‑day tour match at Beckenham will give the side an additional platform to fine‑tune strategies before the England series begins.