sport news NASSER HUSSAIN: Pakistan fans deserve a better pitch than they have been given ... trends now
View
comments
Funny things can happen on the last day or two of Test matches in Pakistan, so we shouldn’t rush to judgment about the Rawalpindi pitch so early in the game. But it was hard not to think that the Pakistan crowd and fans round the world deserve a bit better than what we’ve seen so far.
I’m not talking about England’s batting, obviously. They were breathtaking as they raced to 657. But cricket is so much more watchable when there’s an even contest between bat and ball. And this pitch isn’t providing it.
It has always been the case that surfaces in Pakistan tend not to break up, which is why historically they have hosted so many draws — that, plus the early finishes and the Kookaburra ball, which goes soft so quickly.
Pakistan advanced to 181 without loss on day two of the first Test against England
It came after England racked up 657 in record time thanks to Harry Brook's 153
Across the border in India, the red clay and soil does break up, so the spinners come into play. Here in Pakistan, you’ve either got to leave more grass on the surface or make it very dry and bring the spinners into play. There has to be some kind of lateral movement. After two days, the best we’ve seen is a bit of reverse-swing.
It’s the opposite of
