PAK vs ENG: Nasser Hussain raises concerns over flat pitch in Multan Test

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has voiced his concerns about the flat pitch in the ongoing first Test between Pakistan and England in Multan. In his column for the Daily Mail, Hussain expressed that the lack of balance between bat and ball on such surfaces could harm the future of Test cricket.

"Test cricket cannot afford for this pitch to continue playing in the same way for all five days. It is incredibly flat and, for the future of the longer format, pitches need to do something. At the moment, it has done nothing for two days. No spin, no swing, no reverse swing. It is too batter-friendly and Test cricket needs an even contest between bat and ball," Nasser said.

Hussain further emphasized the danger of having high-scoring matches that end in draws, which could impact crowd attendance.

"You cannot afford 600 plays 500 plays 400, and then a draw. The crowds here in Multan are already sparse and, if it is like this for five days, soon nobody will come in," he further added.

Speaking about England's strategy, Hussain pointed out the importance of matching Pakistan’s first innings total. 

"You’ve got to put yourself in a position to pounce if those cracks widen and the surface starts to spin or produce some uneven bounce. England’s job is to get as close as possible to Pakistan’s total and make that third innings difficult for the opposition," he concluded.