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Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani Pakistan middle order batsman Saud Shakeel has admitted that it is difficult to stay in the national team. Shakeel has been a regular face in the Test side, boasting an average of 43.95 after 23 matches, which includes four centuries and 10 fifties. In ODIs, the 30-year-old has made 19 appearances but last played the 50-over format during the 2025 Champions Trophy. Having lost his place in the ODI side, Shakeel knows all too well how important it is for players to perform regularly as there are plenty of potential replacements waiting for their opportunity. “Playing for the Pakistan cricket team is easy, but staying in the team by delivering consistent performances is difficult,” he was quoted as saying by journalist Arfa Feroz Zake on X. Shakeel did not take part in Pakistan’s recent two-Test series against the West Indies, which ended as a 1-1 draw. He is part of the squad for the ongoing three-Test series against England and was included in the playing XI for the 1st Test, which is currently being held at Headingley in Leeds. Pakistan Squad for England Test Series: Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah