Pakistan’s pitches belonged in “the dark ages”, the nation’s high cricket official mentioned Friday, after England plundered runs on a dull wicket in Rawalpindi. The guests have been lastly all out for 657 — together with a file 506 from the primary day Thursday — with 4 batsmen scoring centuries off the hapless Pakistan bowling. In reply, Pakistan’s openers have been nearing centuries of their very own at shut of play Friday with Abdullah Shafique on 89 and Imam-ul-Haq 90.

Ramiz Raja, a former nationwide captain and now Pakistan Cricket Board chief, mentioned he was “not happy at all” over the state of the pitch, which he admitted was “not a great advert” for Test cricket.

“We live in the dark ages of pitches in Pakistan,” he informed reporters, including, “it’s embarrassing for us, especially if you have a cricketer as chairman.”

On the identical pitch in March this yr, some 1,187 runs have been scored for the lack of simply 14 wickets as Pakistan and Australia performed out a tame draw. Rawalpindi was termed “below average” by International Cricket Council match referee Ranjan Madugalle, who additionally awarded it a demerit level.

A venue is banned for 12 months if it accumulates 5 demerit factors over a interval of 5 years. Pakistan has performed little Test cricket at dwelling for over a decade as safety points compelled fixtures to impartial grounds overseas.

After the criticism earlier this yr, Raja introduced in Australian specialist Damien Hough, who instructed detachable drop-in pitches as an answer. “I think our way out is for drop-in pitches,” Raja mentioned.

“If you want to nail England, for example, we’ve got to prepare a drop-in pitch that turns from ball number one.

“It is healthier than having this hodge-podge the place you get a half-baked pitch which is neither fast nor spin.”

Still, despite the placid surface, Raja credited England with making the most of the conditions. “I’ve by no means seen batting like England’s on day one,” he said.”

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