Pakistan vs England pitch, Rawalpindi (Source – Getty Images)
Pakistan team’s maneuvering with the pitch ahead of the games has continued in the third Test too. They requested a flat track in the first Test and they were robbed by England batters in Multan orchestrating a win by an innings and 47 runs. The think tanks were on the roll and requested a spinning track for the second Test at the same venue in Multan.
As a result, the pitch was watered rigorously and dried under the sun over and over again. Pakistan spinners, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali picked all 20 English batters and Pakistan registered their first win at home after over three years of hiatus. As the series is poised at 1-1, the hosts are leaving no stone unturned to claim the series and they have resorted to the same tactic as the previous game.
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Ahead of the third Test in Multan scheduled to commence on October 24, the pitch could be seen decked with two giant windbreaks, outsized fans, and six patio heaters to make it conducive for spinners.
It is worth noting that, when the deck gets watered, the giant windbreaks will help the water evaporate complemented by the natural heat of the sun. This will leave the soil moist and ready for the patio heaters to artificially soak the excess moisture and turn the pitch semi-hard with a hint of cracks. The pitch will potentially remain spin-friendly for most of the Test and will hardly loosen up.
Pakistan had made a bold move by resting their star players, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah for the second Test. The move proved to be vital as skipper Shan Masood exclaimed complete team effort after winning the game. On the other hand, England are facing immense heat from their former cricketers owing to their lack of ability to tackle spin on turning tracks.