Consistency is the key to move forward - Masood

Shan Masood scored a crucial 125 in Pallekele last year to help Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in a record chase. However, in the subsequent series against England in the UAE, Masood managed three single-digit scores in the first two Tests, falling to James Anderson in all four innings, before being dropped for the third Test in Sharjah.

Masood is currently in contention, along with Sami Aslam, Khurram Manzoor and Mohammad Hafeez - whose knee injury keeps him in doubt - for the opening spot for Pakistan's tour of England in July, and has said that he hopes to gain consistency to establish himself in the side.

"I've got a good start and also gave one or two match-winning performances," Masood said. "But real thing is that if you want to move forward in international cricket, you have to have consistency. If you look at young players around the world, among those some are even captains like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steven Smith and Joe Root they all have taken responsibility and have consistency.

"There's no big opportunity like this, especially for openers, because we have 11 possible Test matches in the coming six-seven months, and if we have consistency we can make a name and that's what I am looking forward to. I have focused on my weaknesses and have worked with coaches. I had nine months since the last Test series against England and I have no excuses now that I can't do anything. I have to work on weaknesses and take along my strong points."

It will not be the first time Masood will be playing in English conditions, if he is picked. In 2009, Masood scored 1237 runs at an average of 103 for Stamford School and had come close to breaking the school record of another left-handed opener, Alastair Cook, who scored 1287 runs for Bedford school in 2003.

"My best experience there was that I played three first-class matches through my university and it was a decent standard of bowling," Masood said. "I played against Liam Plunkett, Ajmal Shahzad, who have played for England. It does help, but it will be different ball game, everyone knows England team is very good and we have to take our A-game there."

Speaking about Pakistan's ongoing preparations for the tour, Masood said: "Preparations are in front of everyone, from Pakistan Cup to this [skill] camp. In between we did an Army camp in Kakul, where lots of stress was laid on our physical fitness. Here in Lahore, barring weather, we are getting the conditions what we will have there in England. Pitches are being prepared to what we will be getting in England. Duke balls are also there, PCB has taken good initiative and the preparations are on right track."

Within Pakistan, however, Masood's selection has been viewed with skepticism due to his background and connections - his uncle holds a powerful post in the government, while his father is part of the PCB and became the head of the most high-profile audit committee in the board.

Masood said his cricketing ability would seal his spot in the national side. "At the end of the day we all are cricketers. Whoever performs will move forward, whoever will perform and make his name will stay in the team. People will write in favour of you and also against you, but my job is to perform for Pakistan."