Cricket Australia boss responds after Pakistan's pitch gripe before first Test
Pakistan were none too pleased about the pitch used for their one and only practice match before the Test series against Australia.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley admits it's "unfortunate" weather hindered Pakistan's preparations for the first Test against Australia, but insists the tourists have plenty to be confident about heading into Perth. Pakistan were not happy about the slow pitch used at Manuka Oval for the match against the Australian Prime Minister' XI side - ultimately abandoned after wild weather in Canberra.
Strong winds blew the covers off the ground on Friday evening and a torrential downpour overnight caused officials to deem it unsafe for play on the Saturday. Pakistan captain Shan Masood starred for the visitors with a classy 201 not out but the weather cruelled any slim hopes of a result being possible.
CLASSY: Pat Cummins' act for Cameron Green amid exile from Test team
'WHAT A JOKE': Cricket fans fume over Adam Zampa move in BBL
INSANE: Aussie's $364,000 payday as cricket fans fume over 'joke' move
Former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, who is juggling head coaching and team director duties for his side's Australian tour, was among those to criticise how slow the Manuka Oval pitch was. Conditions are set to be significantly different at Perth's Optus Stadium, which is expected to be much greener and faster than Canberra.
“We ticked most of the boxes as a team, but obviously really surprised and disappointed with the arrangements in Canberra,” Hafeez told reporters. “The pitch we received for the practice (match in Canberra), that was the slowest we can ever, ever play on as a visiting team in Australia.”
Pakistan great Wasim Akram agreed with the team's skipper and warned that while it was a confidence-booster for the batters, the reality is the first Test against Australia in Perth will present a much different test. "Canberra is too early. OK, the captain got 200 ... they got some runs, so there's a bit of confidence," Akram said.
"(But) new management, new captain. It will take time, especially at the first Test match in Perth. We know the pitch is very bouncy, different pitch altogether from Canberra. It'll be a big Test for this team."
The legendary fast bowler is acutely aware of his nation's poor history in Australia, where they have not tasted Test success since 1995. "Australia is a difficult country, the last time Pakistan won here was 1995 (in) a Test series," Akram aded. "It's kind of a blessing in disguise, a tough start for a new captain. But if they do well here and compete against the mighty Australians, that will give them a lot of confidence."
Cricket Australia CEO responds after Pakistan pitch criticism
Cricket Australia CEO Hockley was quick to brush off the Manuka Oval pitch criticism from Pakistan, who head into the series against Australia having been whitewashed in each of their last five test tours Down Under. Amid fears that both of this summer's Test series against Pakistan and the West Indies will be one-sided affairs, Hockley is confident the tourists will put up a good fight despite their less than ideal preparations in Canberra.
“I think it was really unfortunate that the game couldn’t be completed,” Hockley said on Tuesday. “There was some serious weather coming in overnight ahead of the last day of play, but I think there were two really big scores from both sides, so there was a great amount of preparation and it was a confidence builder for Pakistan. I thought their captain batted beautifully to get 200, so hopefully that was good preparation for the Test series to come.”
Ground staff have already signalled the likelihood of a fast pitch for the first Test in Perth and Australia coach Andrew McDonald said it would represent an ideal scenario for the home side. “You talk to the fast bowlers and batters and it’s a good even contest between bat and ball, anytime there is bounce and pace in the surface,” McDonald said.
“If you get in, there are runs a plenty and if you find the right line and length, there’s reward for you as well. It always creates a fair and even contest.
“I think the bounce. As you said, the Gabba presents bounce. Perth presents bounce as well. So I think anytime a team, in particular, coming from the subcontinent, is challenged with that first up, it makes hopefully for a slow start for them. Hopefully we can expose them on a bouncy surface. So that is an advantage.”
with agencies
Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.
