As Pakistan head into the two-Test series against Bangladesh, captain Babar Azam feels it'll be crucial for his Test specialists to "switch on" as quickly as possible. Babar also stressed that a hectic calendar and switching between different formats isn't an easy task for the current lot.
"I don't think it is easy to make the transformation but the time is short and we need to adjust," he started. "We are playing a lot of cricket back to back due to COVID and everything. We have been playing white-ball cricket for a while and now it's time for Test cricket.
"We had one of day travel and two days of practice, so it's true that time is short but as a professional, you should switch on and get back into Test mode.
"I think our Test cricketers are coming after completing a season and we have utilised the days that we are getting. I think the time is short and as a result, it will be better if we can switch as soon as possible."
So far in the ICC World Test Championship, Pakistan have won one game and lost one - against West Indies - and will look to pick up crucial points as they aim to build their bid for the final. Babar acknowledged he's confident of his team's chance this time. "I think we will fare better in the ICC Test Championship this time around. If you look at our Test team, it is quite settled and the way we played against West Indies, Zimbabwe and South Africa, it proves that we are quite an experienced team and the players are performing throughout," he pointed out. "I think it takes time for a team to come into shape and perform consistently and I think we are now getting into that shape."
Babar stressed he's expecting a tough challenge from the hosts. "We cannot take them easily and it's true that they are a young team but they are playing in their home condition. They can give us a tough time and we need to be focused," he said. "I have full faith in the team and we need to be patient and the result will take care of itself.
"It's a typical Bangladeshi wicket and there is some grass in it. Yesterday there was some grass and today we will have a final look at the wicket. The spinners will play a role here and the pacers will also get some help early so we need to utilise the condition to the best of our ability."