Selectors oversee pitch preparation for crucial third test against England

English , Snippets , Sports - کھیل اور کھلاڑی , / Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024

RAWALPINDI: National selectors Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Asad Shafiq, and Azhar Ali are in Rawalpindi, monitoring the pitch preparation for Pakistan’s decisive third Test against England. The pitch is being tailored to assist spinners, utilizing industrial fans to remove moisture from the surface.

This strategy follows Pakistan’s successful use of spin in their 152-run victory in the second Test, where Sajid Khan and Noman Ali took all 20 wickets. According to sources, the selectors have instructed the ground staff to prepare a dry, spinning track, hoping to replicate their previous success.

Methods like fans, heaters, and black cloth are being used to dry the pitch and create cracks that could favor Pakistan’s spinners.

While the England team is resting after arriving in Islamabad, Pakistan’s players are already practicing at the nets. Selectors Aaqib Javed and Aleem Dar, both with vast experience, are confident this pitch will provide Pakistan with a crucial advantage.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood and coach Jason Gillispie are aware of the plans but not directly involved in overseeing the pitch preparation.

The series is tied 1-1, and Pakistan is eager to secure the victory in Rawalpindi, where they last won a home series against South Africa in 2021.