‘Babar Azam Wants to Bat on a Road And improve His Stats?’: Former New Zealand Cricketer Blasts Karachi Pitch

Last Update: January 05, 2023, 16:10 IST

Babar Azam had claimed last December that the pitch curator did not listen to his inputs.  (AP Photo)

Babar Azam had claimed last December that the pitch curator did not listen to his inputs. (AP Photo)

PCB has been in the firing line for producing lifeless pitches during Tests against England and New Zealand at home

Former fast bowler Simon Doull did not hold back from commentating during the ongoing second Test between Pakistan and New Zealand being played at the National Stadium in Karachi. Dole targets Pakistan Cricket The board and captain Babar Azam are surprised that who asks them to prepare such lifeless tracks on which bowlers have to struggle to take wickets.

Expressing his frustration, the former New Zealand international said, “Where did this instruction come from? Does it come from Babar who wants to bat on the road and improve his stats?”

Dole said during a show that the ground staff should be allowed to do their jobs without interference from ‘above’.

Read also: ‘World Cup still nine months away, can’t have just 20 players’

“Let the ground staff do their job properly,” the 53-year-old said. “The people at the top, the hierarchy, have just got to stick their nose out of it. It doesn’t provide anything. There is no grass on it. There is no seam movement and no carry.”

“You are picking someone like Mir Hamza who has a great first-class record. You pick guys who do well at that level, but they come and bowl on this road. You can’t expect them to do the same job they’ve been doing at first-class level if you’re going to build these kinds of surfaces,” he said.

The entire Test series will be played at the National Stadium, with the first match ending in a draw on a batting paradise.

In the ongoing Test, Pakistan replied to New Zealand’s 449-all out in the first innings with 408-all out.

Read also: Rishabh Pant’s recovery may take six months

The pitch also came in for severe criticism for the first Test between Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi, as the Ben Stokes-led tourists scored 657 runs in only 101 overs.

The Test was heading for a draw when Pakistan made 579-all but England recorded a thrilling victory following a declared game.

The pitch later received a below average rating from the match referee.

get the latest cricket news, Schedule And cricket live score here