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Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for arranging 'flat and lifeless' pitches in home matches. While observing the ongoing Test series between India and England, as well as West Indies and Australia, Arthur expressed his discontent. He argued that Test matches become thrilling and competitive when the pitches provide challenges for the bowlers.
"Test cricket gets so exciting to watch when you have pitches which slightly favours the bowlers instead of just flat lifeless ones!," Arthur said, as quoted by India Today.
How have been the pitches in Pakistan?
Last year, during Pakistan's tour of England for a three-match Test series, batters piled on the runs. In the opening Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, England posted a total of 657 runs in their first innings, and Pakistan responded with 579 runs.
Similarly, when Australia toured Pakistan for a three-match series, the bowlers faced a tough challenge to break through.
Once again, the pitch in Rawalpindi proved to be a haven for batsmen, with only 14 wickets falling over the five days of the Test match.
In the second Test at the National Stadium in Karachi, Australia amassed 556 for nine in their first innings, and Pakistan replied with 443 for seven.
Sporting wickets in India, Australia
The ongoing Test match that Arthur mentioned has been closely contested. In the match at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia bowled out West Indies for 311, with Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph both claiming three wickets each.
Australia found themselves at 64 for five before Joshua da Silva and Kevin Sinclair's half-centuries. Mitchell Starc not only took four wickets but also reached the milestone of 350 wickets in Test cricket.
The Test match between India and England has also witnessed its fair share of excitement. Ben Stokes contributed with a score of 70 off 88 balls as England posted 246 runs in 64.3 overs.
Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin took three wickets each. Following that, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul scored 80 and 86 runs, respectively, aiding India in securing a lead in the first innings.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
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