The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday termed the pitch used for the first Test between Pakistan and Australia as “below average”.
ICC Elite Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle sent his report to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stating that the pitch at the Pindi Cricket Stadium was ‘hardly changed’ during the game. Also, he is given a demerit point under the ICC pitch and outfield monitoring process, which is to remain active for a rolling period of five years.
“There has been hardly any change in the character of the pitch over the course of five days and there has been no deterioration other than a slight drop in bounce,” Madugalle’s report said.
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“The pitch didn’t have a lot of pace and bounce for the fast bowlers nor did it help the spinners as the match progressed. In my view it does not represent an equal competition between bat and ball. Therefore, keeping in mind the ICC guidelines, I consider this pitch to be below average,” it further read.
In the first Test, Pakistan declared their first innings at 476–4 after being selected in the first. In reply, the visitors were bundled out for 449 after spinner Nauman Ali took six wickets. The hosts then scored 252 for no loss in their second innings before the game ended in a draw.
Earlier, PCB chairman Rameez Raja defended the Pindi Stadium track, saying that Pakistan has designed low bouncy tracks for the Australia tour, keeping in mind the strength of the hosts against a tough opponent.
Meanwhile, Australia batsman David Warner on Thursday said he hopes for a better surface for the second Test in Karachi, starting Saturday.
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“I just want a game where you can actually make 20 chances. It’s something that’s going to be exciting and entertaining for the crowd,” Warner said.
(with agency input)
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