PAK vs ENG: Shan Masood calls for patience with Babar Azam as Pakistan looks to bounce back

Following Pakistan's defeat in the first Test against England, vice-captain Shan Masood addressed key issues in the team's performance during the post-match press conference. 

He expressed confidence in Babar Azam's abilities and shared concerns about the team’s bowling performance, as well as the health of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.

Speaking in the post-match presser, Masood stood firmly behind Babar, who has faced criticism after a string of low scores.

"There is no doubt that Babar Azam is Pakistan's best batter. We need to give him some time and think that he's just one innings away from a comeback," Masood said.

Masood also gave an update on Abrar Ahmed, who missed the Test match due to illness. 

"Abrar Ahmed is hospitalized and he is not well. Our prayers are with him, and we are hopeful that he will get better soon," he futher added.

Acknowledging the team's inability to bowl out the opposition, Masood admitted, "It is quite evident that we are not able to take 20 wickets. We need to find a process to stay in the game and give ourselves a proper chance of winning a Test match," Masood said.

Addressing the conditions in Multan, where the match was played, Masood noted the unpredictability of the pitch. 

"We cannot control the behaviour of a pitch. We were expecting this pitch to get better for bowling after day two," he explained. 

With Pakistan trailing 1-0 in the three-match series, the team will need to regroup quickly ahead of the second Test in Multan.