up hundred puts him in focus for England Tests
Pakistani cricketer Saud Shakeel scored an unbeaten century in a warm-up match against a County Club Select XI, boosting his confidence ahead of the Test series against England. The series will serve as a critical test of his performance in non-Asian conditions.
Why it matters
Shakeel's ability to adapt to English pitches is a major narrative for the upcoming international Test series.
Saud Shakeel struck an unbeaten hundred in Pakistan's three-day warm-up match against a Professional County Club Select XI at Beckenham, helping his side overturn a 67-run first-innings deficit and chase down 262 on the final day with seven wickets to spare. Pakistan maintained a run rate of 4.61 during the chase, completing a convincing victory ahead of the first Test against England at Headingley in Leeds, which begins on August 19.
Shakeel's previous ten Test innings had produced only 189 runs at an average of under 19, and he had sat out both Tests in the West Indies owing to fitness concerns. The PCB confirmed on July 5 that he was included in the squad for the England series subject to fitness clearance. Shakeel acknowledged the challenge that awaits.
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