Ban Test Cricket in Pakistan - Kevin Pietersen Criticises Multan's Flat Pitch
Author: Vishnu Reddy
Updated At:
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen was visibly upset with the proceedings in the ongoing first Test between England and Pakistan at Multan. The English batting legend went hard on the PCB and openly criticized them for preparing a “flat deck” which at the moment is playing largely in favor of the batters. He further alleged that tracks like these can have serious repercussions on the longevity of Test cricket.
Both Pakistan and England have mounted towering totals without being unfazed on the barren Multan pitch. Three century-plus scores from Shan Masood (151), Salman Ali Agha (104 not out), Abdullah Shafique (102), and a composed knock from Saud Shakeel (82) powered Pakistan to a massive first-innings total of 556. But once it was England’s turn to bat, that monstrous first innings total from Pakistan soon turned very pale in comparison as England powered their way to 658-3 by lunch on day four.
Root and Brook went on to record twin centuries and added over 400 runs for the fourth wicket to drive England to their highest-ever Test total against Pakistan. The game has moved to day four but saw only a meager 13 wickets fall. Besides, all English batters apart from Pope went on to amass scores of gigantic proportions. Root and Brook concluded the first session of day four with unbeaten scores of 259* & 218* respectively while Duckett and Crawley were also among the runs at the top.
By looking at the ease with which the batters on both sides piled up the runs, KP took to X (formerly known as Twitter), to express his frustration regarding the current state of the Multan pitch which has turned into a nightmare for the bowlers.
Kvein Pietersen’s statement on Twitter
Still a bowler graveyard! If this wicket doesn’t crumble and produce a result, it’s helping DESTROY Test cricket
Batting has just been too easy in this Test and this is something concerning for Pietersen. In his opinion, if this trend were to continue further, Test cricket in Pakistan could well be in jeopardy. Offering a balanced wicket that offers a marginal edge to the bowlers can make Test cricket exciting to match.
Speaking of the present state of the match, we are well into day four and with the surface still on the dull sidd where Englad scored a mammoth 823/7 and giving a daunting task for Pakistan in the 3rd innings where they trail by 267 runs. Cricket betting experts are rooting for England to win this test match by an innings.
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