Photo Credit: Insatgram Photo of @therealpcb
The Multan and Rawalpindi pitches, used during Pakistan’s 2-1 Test series win over England, have been deemed “satisfactory” by the International Cricket Council, according to a report.
Pakistan’s first home Test series victory since February 21 attracted significant attention due to the measures taken to prepare the pitches.
The series began in Multan, where the pitch, initially showing traces of grass, eventually flattened out. Pakistan scored 556 in their first innings, but England responded with a mammoth 827/7 declared, the highest total in Pakistan, thanks to outstanding performances by Joe Root and Harry Brook. Despite the flat conditions, the match seemed to be heading for a draw, but Pakistan’s collapse in the third innings gave England a historic victory by an innings and 47 runs.
After the heavy defeat in the first Test, Pakistan made significant changes to their pitch preparation strategy. Within an hour of the loss, a new selection committee, including Aaqib Javed and Aleem Dar, was formed, and they decided to use the same Multan pitch for the second Test. Giant fans were brought in to dry the surface, aiding spinners. A similar approach was adopted in Rawalpindi, traditionally known for its lack of spin.
Both pitches offered substantial assistance to spinners, with sharp spin and uneven bounce early in the Tests. All 40 of England’s wickets in the second and third Tests were taken by Pakistan’s spinners, contributing to Shan Masood’s first series win as Test captain.
The ICC rates pitches from “very good” to “unfit” for international matches. Venues receiving an unsatisfactory rating are given one demerit point, while three points are awarded for those deemed unfit. If a venue accumulates five demerit points over a five-year period, it is suspended from hosting international matches for 12 months.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
