The first Test match between Pakistan and Australia, played in Rawalpindi turned out to be a draw. Many former cricketers, commentators and experts have spoken on the result of the Test match and some of them even criticised the condition of the pitch as well. In a situation like this, former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has opened up on it. According to him, Pakistan’s target was not to lose the game. Afridi also said that “they have to make good pitches” for the remaining two Test matches of the series.
Afridi speaks
'They didn't think about Australia, the bottomline was 'we shouldn't lose'. But in the next two Tests in Lahore and Karachi, they have to make good pitches. You have to take advantage of your home series, or else when you go to Australia, you're going to struggle," Afridi was quoted while talking to Samaa TV.
“Our bowling strength is so good. Our fast bowlers can bowl out this Australian side. And it isn't as if our batters cannot play the Aussie bowlers. Cricket has grown over the past many years, it is time we grow as well. If you want people to count you among the likes of South Africa, England, Australia, New Zealand, you need to stay positive,” Afridi added.
Poor pitch
The 42-year-old former Pakistan all-rounder also talked about the possible team combination for the upcoming two Test matches against Australia.
“I've been playing for long and I know it is there since the start (the combination of seven batters and four bowlers). Six genuine batsmen are enough in any team, then you have an all-rounder and bowlers. But we always play with this combination (7-4). This isn't going to work. Our batsmen are in form. If you are making pitches like these, you will have to play bowlers or else these fast bowlers will be at the risk of injuries.”
In the first Test match of the series, the hosts batted first and registered a huge total of 476 runs (declared) losing 4 wickets in the first innings. The visitors on the other hand, scored 459 runs in the first innings.
Later in the second innings, Pakistan had reached a total of 252 runs without losing a wicket.
