Afridi guarantees 'bouncy wicket' for second NZ Test

Curators have been specially instructed to make changes in the pitch

PHOTO: AFP

Chairman Interim Selection Committee Shahid Afridi has guaranteed a bouncy wicket for the second and final Test between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Talking to media at National Stadium Karachi on Thursday, the former captain said he will not allow the next game to be played on a dead pitch.

“We have to remove the fear of defeat from our hearts,” he said. “It’s wasting our bowlers. They are losing their fingers on these pitches.”

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Pakistan Cricket Board has been under fire this year for its poor-quality flat pitches that provided no assistance to fast bowlers in the series against Australia and England.

Earlier this month, the Rawalpindi pitch received a “below average” rating from International Cricket Council for the second time.

Sources suggest that the curators have been specially instructed to make changes in the pitch to prepare a bouncy wicket. The second Test between Pakistan and New Zealand is scheduled to take place from Jan 2-6.