The pitches used for the recently concluded Test series between Pakistan and England have received a “satisfactory” rating from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The series, which Pakistan won 2-1, gained attention for the conditions created on the pitch, particularly in Multan and Rawalpindi.
In the first Test, played in Rawalpindi, the pitch was very flat, resulting in high scores from both teams. England set a record total of 827 for 7 declared, the highest total ever in Pakistan and the fourth highest in Test history. Pakistan lost the match after a dramatic collapse in their second innings, despite the first innings being drawn.
After the heavy defeat in the first Test, Pakistan decided to make changes to the pitch for the following matches. The team used large industrial fans and heaters to dry and break up the surface, creating conditions that favored spin bowlers. The new surfaces helped spinners, with all of England’s wickets in the final two Tests falling to spin. Pakistan won the second Test in Multan on the morning of day four and wrapped up the third Test in Rawalpindi before lunch on day three.
Despite the spin-friendly conditions, England did not raise any complaints, and Pakistan defended the changes, arguing they were simply preparing pitches suited to their strengths after their loss in the first Test.
The ICC reviewed the pitches used throughout the series and gave them a “satisfactory” rating. This is the lowest rating that does not result in a penalty. The ICC rates pitches on a scale from “very good” to “unfit”, with a “satisfactory” rating indicating that the surfaces met the standards for international cricket.
This marks the third consecutive Test in Rawalpindi where the pitch has been criticized. However, no demerit points were given, and the venue is not under any threat of suspension.
In the end, the series was memorable not just for Pakistan’s comeback but also for the role the pitch conditions played in the matches. The “satisfactory” rating shows that the pitches while offering a home advantage for Pakistan, were considered within acceptable limits by the ICC.
