‘A new cricket will be seen in Multan’- Ramiz Raja makes a bold statement following criticism of ‘dull’ cricket pitch in Pakistan vs England Test
Pakistan faced an embarrassing defeat of 75 runs against England in the first Test. The host team had a golden opportunity to turn the tide around as England took a bold call to declare the inning with four sessions still to play.
Pakistan however succumbed to pressure and could not get over the line. This loss has also dented their World Test Championship campaign as well. Following their loss, the PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has opened up on the disappointing defeat and made a big statement.
Pakistan failed to achieve a target of 343 runs set by England in the fourth innings after James Anderson and Ollie Robinson took four wickets each to thwart any challenge. Raja was in huge praise for England batters and also hailed head coach Brandon McCullum’s tactics.
“The approach of the England team changed with the arrival of Brendon McCullum. The credit for the English team’s win goes to the coach,” Ramiz said during a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. The former cricketer also claimed that a new cricket will be seen in the second Test match.
“Pakistan team will compete against England in Multan. A new cricket will be seen in Multan,” he said. He also suggested the use of drop-in pitches for Test cricket in Pakistan.
Disappointed with the pitch- Raja
“I have really not cracked the code regarding a Test match pitch, unfortunately. Absolutely (disappointed with this pitch). The reason why I’m stressing on drop-in pitches in Pakistan is because you’ll go to Multan and Karachi, and you’ll get a similar flavour. We don’t get bounce, it’s to do with clay, how we prepare a pitch – I don’t know what’s happening,” he said.
Pakistan and England will play in the second Test match on December 9th at Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan.
