PCB plans to make slow pitches to tackle Australia in Test series

The ground staff of the top three Test centres in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi have been asked to make slow pitches for the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia.

Australia is coming to Pakistan after 24 years where they will play three Tests, three ODIs and a T20I.

According to sources, the idea of providing fast pitches to the Aussies may backfire, therefore, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to avail home advantage and has instructed curators to make slow pitches.

Highlights of the Test players practice session at the National Stadium, Karachi today. #PAKvAUS #HarHaalMainCricket pic.twitter.com/ArwTO96kK2

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 18, 2022

Slow pitches will be easily prepared in Karachi and Lahore but in Rawalpindi, the ground staff may face difficulty in preparing a slow pitch.

Australia have been playing on true and hard pitches at their home ground and it will be difficult for them to adjust on slow pitches.

The training camp of Test players are currently undergoing in Karachi. Yasir Shah's fitness has worried the team management, therefore, he is part of the original squad for the big series. 

The spin attack consists of talented Zahid Mahmood, Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali but they are not being considered as world-class who can tackle experienced Australian batters.

Meanwhile, head coach Saqlain Mushtaq is overseeing the training progress at National Stadium in Karachi along with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf

Six selected players, Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Imam ul Haq, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan and Saud Shakeel are preparing hard in the camp. Two out of five reserves, Yasir Shah and Mohammad Abbas are also part of the camp. The remaining members are currently busy in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season seven and they will join the camp in Rawalpindi.

In order to assist with training, nine additional players are also part of the camp"

Aaliyan Mehmood (Sindh)
Ahmad Bashir (Central Punjab)
Ali Usman (Southern Punjab)
Arshadullah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
Haseebullah (Balochistan)
Irfanullah Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
Mohammad Ali (Central Punjab)
Raza-ul-Hasan (Balochistan)
Taj Wali (Balochistan)
The list of reserve players include:

It must be noted that the camp will conclude in Karachi on February 22. The side will travel to Islamabad and start training in Rawalpindi on February 27. The first Test between Pakistan and Australia is scheduled to start from March 4.