Mohammad Hafeez, Pakistan‘s Director of Cricket, expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch in the match against the Prime Minister’s XI.
In their quest for a Test victory in Australia after 27 years, the Pakistan cricket team has left no detail unchecked in their preparation for the initial Test against the hosts on December 14 at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
Led by Shan Masood, the team engaged in a four-day practice match against Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI at Canberra’s Manuka Oval last week, concluding in a draw due to no play on Day 4.
However, Pakistan expressed discontent with the ‘slow and low’ nature of the track provided for their lone warm-up encounter, with Mohammad Hafeez, the Director of Cricket, being critical of the pitch.
“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,” Hafeez had told the reporters on Monday.
Pakistan practiced with a marble slab to get used to the bouncy Perth track
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To prepare their batsmen for the anticipated bouncy conditions of the first Test pitch, Pakistan players have adopted unconventional methods. Notably, they were observed practicing in the nets with a marble slab to familiarize themselves with the additional bounce expected on Perth’s renowned track.
Pakistan brought back Sajid Khan into the squad following the exclusion of spinner Abrar Ahmed, who sustained a leg injury and will be unavailable for the first Test against Australia.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that Abrar will stay with the team to undergo treatment.
“Ahmed injured his leg around the knee during the tour game and his MRI suggests rest and rehabilitation, which means he will not be available for the first Test,” a PCB news release said.
Abrar will undergo evaluation for potential inclusion in the second Test in Melbourne starting from December 26, as per the announcement. The subsequent third Test is scheduled for Sydney on January 3.
Sajid, aged 30, who last played one of his seven Tests against Australia in March 2022, will travel to Perth to join the team ahead of the upcoming match.
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