The historic first Test match between Pakistan and Australia resulted in a dull draw and the Rawalpindi pitch was criticised by many former cricketers and experts for its poor conditions. Throughout the Test match, only 14 wickets were picked up by the bowlers and 10 out of those 14 wickets were scalped by Pakistan bowlers.
Imam speaks
In a situation like this, Pakistan batsman Imam-ul-Haq has opened up on this matter. It is important to mention that Imam had showcased his terrific batting skills in the first Test match against Australia. In the first innings, the southpaw had scored 157 runs off 358 balls. In the second innings also, Imam exhibited his stunning batting show as he notched 111 runs (not out) off 223 balls.
While talking about the highly-debated Rawalpindi pitch, Imam said that “every team curates pitches based on their strengths.”
“Nobody wants a draw. The curators did not prepare the pitch on my orders nor is he my relative. Cricket Australia also does not curate pitches on our advice when we tour Australia either. Every team curates pitches based on their strengths. It does not matter the type of pitch, my job is to perform,” said Haq in a virtual press conference as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.
While talking about his personal form, Imam feels that the management will “decide” whether his runs “in the Rawalpindi Test match are quality or not.”
Personal form
“I am always criticized no matter if I am on the team or not. I am not sad about the criticism because my job is to perform. It is up to the management to decide whether my runs in the Rawalpindi Test match are quality or not. The sign after scoring the century was for the captain and my teammates. However, I will not reveal the reason behind it,” he added.
In the first innings, the hosts had registered a total of 476/4 (declared). In reply, Australia scored 459 runs losing all their 10 wickets. In second innings, Pakistan reached 252 runs in 77 overs without losing a single wicket.
The two teams will take on each other in the second Test match of the series, scheduled to be played in Karachi, on March 12.
