Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was not happy with the pedestrian pitch that was prepared for the first Test between Pakistan and Australia in Rawalpindi, which was the first between the two sides in Pakistan since 1998.
The match meandered to a high-scoring draw after five days. Opting to bat on a run-filled surface, Pakistan had made 476-4 before declaring their first innings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. By the time they bowled out Australia for 459 on the final day, the chances of any team winning the contest had vanished.
Imam Ul Haq scored twin centuries and Abdullah Shafique and Azhar Ali scored a century each. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja from Australia scored the 90s, while Steve Smith made 78 and David Warner made 68.
'They didn't think about Australia, the bottom line 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 said on Samaa TV.
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He was also critical of Babar Azam and Pakistan team for not being more aggressive with their team combination on such a surface, further warning the side that fast bowlers can take a serious hit if the team continues to play with a defensive combination (7 batters, 4 bowlers).
“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,” said Afridi.
“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,” he added.
