Pakistan’s cricket boss hit back at criticism of Rawalpindi’s lifeless pitch, which produced a sluggish draw in the first Test against Australia, saying it was necessary to quell the tourists’ attack while protecting the less-strengthened hosts.
Only 14 wickets fell in the first match of the series, which was condemned by fans and media.
Pakistan Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja said in a video posted on the PCB’s social media that the draw was “never a good advertisement for Test cricket” but the hosts were focused on winning the three-match series. .
“I understand the frustration of the fans – undoubtedly it would have been great if we had a result, but this is a three-Test series, and we need to understand that there is still a lot of cricket to be played,” he said. ,
“Just for the sake of it, we can’t prepare a fast pitch or a bouncy pitch and put the game in Australia’s lap.”
While Pakistan were reeling from multiple injuries in the lead-up to the match, Raja said the board was also careful to protect its “new” opener combination of Abdullah Shafiq and Imam-ul-Haq.
Ul Haq scored one century after another in Tests, while Shafiq scored 44 and 136.
“So when your opening pair and bowling pair are both troubled and raw, you can’t take chances,” he added.
“Australia, don’t forget, is a global power, and was coming here winning the Ashes.
“We respect his talent. That’s why we couldn’t go into experimental mode so soon considering our strengths.”
The second Test starts on Saturday in Karachi, which traditionally has a more spin-friendly wicket than Rawalpindi.
Raja said Pakistan will continue to prepare low-bounce pitches that are suitable for their spinners and batsmen for the rest of the series and urged fans to keep their “morale high”.
“There’s only been one match, so don’t jump the gun, there’s a lot of cricket to be played,” he said.
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