Captain Shan Masood says he has loved his first spell with Yorkshire as he departs for a month’s worth of Test Cricket with Pakistan.
Masood is leaving the county before returning in time for the start of the One-Day Cup at the beginning of August, with him being selected in Pakistan’s squad for their two-Test series in Sri Lanka, starting on July 17 at Galle.
The left-hander has scored 437 runs in 16 Championship and T20 appearances, including two fifties with a best of 95 not out.
“I’ve enjoyed it a lot,” he said. “I’ve been made to feel very welcome at the club and have been looked after a lot.
“The boys have been brilliant, the backroom staff as well and the people at the club. They’ve looked after me and my family, and I feel a big part of this club.”
Masood, 33, believes he heads off for international duty with his game in good order.
“I’ve worked with Gibbo (Ottis Gibson) before, and he’s someone I get along with really well,” he said.
“But you look at everyone here….Ali Maiden, I’ve worked a lot with on my batting. I’m very happy with where my game is going, and he’s played a huge part in that.
“Kabir Ali, I’ve known from before. Even though he’s bowling coach, you have conversations with him and learn about how he sees different batters and bowlers.
“I’ve made sure I’ve formed a relationship with everyone and have made the most out of a really good backroom staff. We have got good strength and conditioning coaches, physios, a good analyst who I work very closely with.
“I’m just trying to make the most of this experience, and long may it continue.”
Meanwhile, Ottis Gibson says he would be open to Namibian all-rounder David Wiese returning to the club next year for a second overseas stint in the Vitality Blast. But the coach says there are plenty of things to consider before firming up such a decision.
Wiese hit 197 runs and claimed 11 wickets in 12 Blast appearances on the field, whereas Gibson also paid a glowing tribute to his contributions off the field.
“What you guys see is Wiese on the field hitting sixes, taking wickets and brilliant catches on the boundary and so on,” he said.
David Wiese and Ben Mike bat at Grace Road.
“What I see in the dressing room is a leader and someone who is happy to pass on knowledge to my young players. That’s what I want out of an overseas, not just what he does on the field.
“I know he’s enjoyed it here, but we haven’t had a conversation around whether he wants to come back yet. I’m sure we will be having that conversation some time very soon.
“But, at the same time, with Shan being an overseas, the captain and a permanent fixture, we can only have one other.
“What I have to do now is sit down and look at, ‘Does Wiese give me everything I need, and do I have enough for the other stuff that I need?’
“But I like him. I like having him around the dressing room.”
