The Pakistan vs. England Test Series Draws Acclaim for Its Captivating Pitch Conditions
The recent three-Test series between Pakistan and England, won 2-1 by the hosts, garnered widespread attention for the cricket pitches used throughout the contest. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has now officially deemed the surfaces for all three matches as “satisfactory.”
The opening Test witnessed an exceptionally flat pitch, leading to a record-breaking innings of 827/7 declared by England – the highest total ever scored in Pakistan and the fourth-highest in Test cricket history. Despite Pakistan’s mammoth first-innings total of 556, a dramatic collapse in the third innings ultimately forced a result that had initially appeared highly improbable.
“The International Cricket Council (ICC) has now officially deemed the surfaces for all three matches as ‘satisfactory.'”
In response, Pakistan’s new selection committee, including renowned figures like Aleem Dar and Aqib Javed, radically altered their pitch-preparation approach. For the second Test in Multan, they reused the same surface, utilizing giant fans to expedite the drying process. Similarly, the Rawalpindi pitch for the third encounter involved the use of large fans and wedding-style heaters with windbreaks to help break up the surface.
These revised surfaces proved to be spin-friendly, offering sharp and early turn, as well as uneven bounce. Consequently, all 40 of England’s wickets in the final two matches fell to spin bowlers. Pakistan secured victory in the second Test on the morning of the fourth day, while the Rawalpindi Test concluded before lunch on day three.
Despite the dramatic shift in pitch conditions, England did not voice any public complaints. Pakistan maintained that they were well within their rights to prepare surfaces that catered to their home advantage, following the chastening defeat on a flat track in the first Test. The ICC has now endorsed this stance, assigning a “satisfactory” rating to each of the contested pitches – the lowest rating that does not amount to censure.
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