Pakistan's Pitches Under Scrutiny: Bowlers Struggle in Multan Test

In the world of cricket, the condition of the pitch can make or break a match. For decades, Pakistan has faced criticism for producing pitches that are often described as “graveyards for bowlers.” This term was famously used by Australian pace legend Dennis Lillee back in 1980 after a frustrating match in Faisalabad, where he bowled for 21 wicketless overs. Fast forward over 40 years, and the situation appears to be unchanged, with bowlers still struggling to find any assistance from the surfaces they play on.

Recently, during a Test match in Multan, England set a new record by scoring 823 runs in a single innings, a feat that has not been seen often in the history of Test cricket. This overwhelming total came in response to Pakistan's 556 runs, showcasing the stark contrast in batting and bowling performances. England's Harry Brook scored an impressive 317 runs, while Joe Root contributed a remarkable 262 runs, leading to a record partnership of 454 runs for the fourth wicket. Despite the lifeless pitch, England's bowlers managed to secure a victory by an innings and 47 runs, leaving Pakistan with the unwanted record of being the first team to score over 500 runs and still lose a Test match by an innings.

Former cricketers and experts have voiced their concerns regarding the state of pitches in Pakistan. Kevin Pietersen, a renowned England batsman, expressed his frustration on social media, stating that the lack of support for bowlers is “helping destroy Test cricket.” Wasim Akram, a former captain of Pakistan, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the issue of unresponsive pitches has persisted for years. He reminisced about the 1990s when bowlers had a better chance of success on greener, livelier pitches.

Rashid Latif, another former captain, pointed out that the mindset surrounding pitch preparation needs to change. He noted that while there was good grass on the Multan pitch, it was shaved off, raising questions about the intentions behind such decisions. Tauseef Ahmed, a former spinner, added that the preference for flat pitches among batters has led to a culture where even domestic matches favor high scores, further diminishing the challenge for bowlers.

Statistics reveal that the average runs per wicket in Pakistan have soared to 42.13, the highest in the world. This trend indicates a growing problem that needs urgent attention. Experts suggest that pitch preparation is a science, requiring a specific soil mix to create firm and bouncy tracks that can support both batting and bowling. A local groundsman highlighted the various factors affecting pitch quality, including weather conditions and team management interference, which often leads to overused and flat surfaces.

To improve the situation, Latif proposed the establishment of a research department led by a geologist to explore effective pitch preparation methods. He also advocated for the use of different types of cricket balls that could better suit the local clay conditions, suggesting that hand-stitched balls like Grays, Duke, or SG would be more beneficial for bowlers.

As the second Test begins in Multan and the third Test is scheduled for Rawalpindi, the prospects for bowlers remain bleak. The ongoing issues with pitch preparation not only affect the quality of the game but also the future of Test cricket in Pakistan. It is crucial for the cricketing authorities to address these concerns and work towards creating a more balanced playing field, where both batsmen and bowlers can showcase their skills effectively. Only then can Pakistan hope to regain its reputation as a competitive force in international cricket.