The first test of the Benaud–Qadir Trophy between Pakistan and Australia ended in a draw. But it caught the eyes of the world of cricket on a non-sporting wicket. The pitch at Rawalpindi didn’t offer anything to the bowlers during the course of five days. As a result, bowlers find it hard to take wickets. A total of 1187 runs were scored in the first test, and only 14 wickets fell.
And all the hype of Australia visiting Pakistan after 24 years turned into a pretty ordinary match. And it made many ex-cricketers and fans start critising the Pakistan Cricket Board. And now both teams will lock horns at Karachi National Stadium for the second test match with the series level at 0-0.
The Australian skipper also opened up about the pitch after the first test match. Cummins said that it was very clear that the pitch was made in order to nullify the pace bowling of the visitors. The International Cricket Council also rated the pitch at Rawalpindi as “below average” as per the international standards.
However, Pakistan’s skipper had some different views on the pitch. Speaking during the pre-match conference, a media person asked Babar about the fear of losing the test match.
“We are not Afraid” – Babar Azam
The right-hander denied the fact that they had any fear of losing. In fact, he stated that Pakistan played a dominating game because the conditions were the same for both teams. He also pointed out that two Pakistani batters also got 150+ scores and their bowlers took ten wickets. Babar Azam further concluded, “So there’s nothing to panic about. We dominated.”
Both teams will face off once again on Saturday in the second test match of the series. And it will be an important match for both teams, as per the current WTC table. A win in the second match will give the team an unassialable lead heading into the third match.
The traditional pitch at Karachi offers a lot to the spinners. Hence, Australia has already announced that Swepson will make his debut in place of Josh Hazelwood. For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf will be back with the team.
