Pakistan are touring Australia for three Test matches that will be contested for the Benaud-Qadir Trophy as well as part of the 2023 World Test Championship. Ahead of the series, the tourists played a warm-up game, against the Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.

Pakistan declared on 391-9 in batting-friendly conditions. The hosts made 367-4 in response before a storm prevented any play on the final day.

The teams are now in Perth for the first Test match that will begin on December 14. Ahead of the match, Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez expressed his frustration with the surface they were presented with. “That was the slowest pitch a visiting team could ever play on in Australia,” he said. “There was no point of saying it again and again and raising the issue with Cricket Australia.

“The disappointment was really high because we weren’t expecting these kinds of arrangements. Maybe it’s tactical, but we’re ready for it. We’re not using it as an excuse: we’re absolutely ready for the challenges coming up.”

There had been speculations around the appointment of Shan Masood as Pakistan’s new Test captain. At the warm-up match, in his maiden appearance as Pakistan captain, Masood made 201 not out from No.3. While impressed, Hafeez was not surprised: “For me, seeing Shan become captain is no surprise. He was always ready for this role, and when you get this sort of opportunity, it shines.

“As a leader, he’s got a great rapport with the players and a great relationship with the whole team. His experience as a captain and what he’s learned over the years – especially the couple of years he’s played county cricket – have all seen his management skills have come to the fore even more. What’s important is this is a confident unit that’s here and Shan is playing his role very well.”

Despite the unexpected conditions, Hafeez is optimistic ahead of the series: “This Test team is very settled. They’ve all done a great job for Pakistan cricket. Everyone is excited to take the challenge. Performing in Australia would be great for them. We are here to beat Australia, not just to compete.

“As a team, we believe we have great talent within the team who can win in Australia. The guys are really hungry to perform in Australia. They wanted to take that excitement and challenge in the right spirit. The message the team conveyed is they want to beat Australia this time.”