Overview of the Series and Pitch Ratings
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given a “satisfactory” rating to the pitches used in the recent Pakistan-England Test series. Pakistan emerged victorious with a 2-1 win in the three-Test series. However, the series attracted significant attention, mainly due to the nature of the pitches prepared in Multan and Rawalpindi.
First Test: A Batting Paradise in Multan
The first Test in Multan was played on an extremely flat surface, providing little assistance to bowlers. This resulted in massive scores from both teams. Pakistan posted an impressive 556 runs, but England topped it with a record-breaking 827 for 7 declared. England’s total was the highest ever made on Pakistani soil and the fourth-highest in Test history.
Despite these high scores, the game ended with Pakistan suffering an innings defeat due to a batting collapse in the third innings. This unexpected result pushed Pakistan to reconsider their approach to pitch preparation.
Adjustments for the Second and Third Tests
Following the loss in Multan, Pakistan’s new selection committee, featuring Aleem Dar and Aqib Javed, decided to take a different approach. They reused the same surface for the second Test but used large fans to dry out the pitch, aiming to create conditions that would favor spinners.
In Rawalpindi, traditionally a venue with little spin, they went further by using fans and heaters with windbreaks to break up the surface. This made the pitch more challenging for batsmen and allowed spinners to play a crucial role.
Spin-Friendly Conditions and Pakistan’s Comeback
The adjustments paid off. The pitches for the second and third Tests offered sharp turn and unpredictable bounce. As a result, spin dominated the games, with all 40 of England’s wickets in the last two Tests falling to spin bowlers. Pakistan managed to win the second Test on the fourth day, and the Rawalpindi Test wrapped up even faster, ending before lunch on day three.
ICC’s Verdict: ‘Satisfactory’ Rating
The ICC’s rating system ranges from “very good” to “unfit,” with “satisfactory” being the lowest acceptable rating. The ICC approved Pakistan’s decision to use pitches that offered them a home advantage, particularly after the challenging flat track in the first Test. By awarding a “satisfactory” rating, the ICC showed leniency, allowing Pakistan’s venues to avoid any demerit points.
If a venue receives five or more demerit points within five years, it can be barred from hosting international matches for a year. Fortunately for Pakistan, the pitches in both Multan and Rawalpindi received ratings that will not impact their future hosting capabilities.
Historical Scrutiny of Rawalpindi’s Pitch
This was the third time in a row that Rawalpindi’s pitch has come under scrutiny in Test cricket. In March 2022, the pitch received a “below average” rating, earning it a demerit point. Later that year, it received the same rating for another Test against England, but this demerit point was rescinded upon appeal.
Final Thoughts
With the ICC’s approval, Pakistan’s unique pitch preparation strategy was validated. This series demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to adapt to home conditions and highlighted the strategic adjustments made to counter England’s strengths.