Multan, Pakistan: Australia pace legend Dennis Lillee criticized a pitch in Pakistan as a “graveyard for bowlers” in 1980. More than 40 years later, little has changed. Lillee’s frustration came after a turgid draw in Faisalabad where all 11 Australian players, including the wicketkeeper, had a turn bowling in Pakistan’s second innings. Last week in Multan, England broke records by piling up 823-7 declared in response to Pakistan’s 556 in the first Test. Despite the lifeless pitch, England’s bowlers managed to secure an innings victory.
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram described the lack of help for bowlers in Multan as a “perennial problem.” Rashid Latif, another former captain, and pitch preparation expert, highlighted the negative mindset towards pitch preparation in Pakistan. The last two years have seen Pakistan pitches become even more docile, with each Test wicket costing an average of 42.13 runs, the highest anywhere in the world. The pitch preparation is a science, and experts believe the ideal soil mix for balanced tracks includes 60 percent clay with less sand.
Tauseef Ahmed, a former spinner, pointed out that the preference for flat pitches in domestic matches to cater to the batsmen’s needs is hindering the development of bowlers. A local groundsman emphasized the complexity of pitch preparation in Pakistan due to various factors, including weather and interference from team management. The curator highlighted the importance of sun exposure to bake a Test pitch properly, which is sometimes lacking in certain weather conditions. Former Pakistan cricket chief Ramiz Raja criticized the poor standard of pitches in Pakistan, calling for research to be conducted to improve pitch quality.
Latif stressed the need for a research department led by a geologist to enhance pitch preparation standards. He also suggested using hand-stitched balls with a more prominent seam to assist bowlers in Pakistan. The use of different types of balls like Grays, Duke, or SG balls tailored to Pakistan’s clay type could benefit bowlers on docile pitches. The issue of lifeless pitches was evident in a match between Pakistan and Australia two years ago when 1,187 runs were scored with just 14 wickets taken in a dull draw in Rawalpindi. With the second Test set to begin in Multan, the concerns regarding pitch quality and fairness to bowlers persist in Pakistan.
