Cricket News

Perth rolls out pitch for first Test between Australia and Pakistan

The pitch for the first Test between Australia and Pakistan has been rolled out. From the looks of it, the wicket does seem to have a good pace and bounce for the bowlers, despite it not being even remotely close to the wicket one used to see in the past at Erstwhile WACA stadium, which used to be a nightmare for the batters outside Western Australia.

The pitch at Optus Stadium in Perth does not have enough grass cover. But the curator believes that the wicket has enough spice in it on offer for the bowlers. He further felt that there was enough in for the batters as well, thus making it a good wicket for both batters and bowlers to be involved in the game.

Isaac McDonald, the curator of Perth Wicket, gave his review of the pitch. “My theory is to have it a little bit harder on top and a little bit less grass and see what impact that has on the game. Grass is pace and bounce. That’s what people are looking for and that’s essentially what I’m looking for in a really good long-format wicket,” said Isaac.

Australian coach reviews Perth wicket 

The curator felt that it would be a very good wicket to play a long-format game. After seeing the wicket for the match, the Australian coach reviewed the wicket. Andrew McDonald felt that it was a good wicket for both the batters and bowlers to be in the game, which is what the viewers would necessarily want to experience. McDonald felt that the wicket would challenge the batters of Pakistan.

The Australian coach thought that the batters who get settled in the middle by spending time in the middle are likely to score runs. He added that the bowlers who hit the right line and length are likely to succeed at the venue. McDonald compared the bounce of Optus stadium to that at the Gabba, which excites the viewers and the bowlers. The Australian coach hoped to expose the Pakistani batters.