RAWALPINDI:The pitch at the Pindi Stadium which hosted the historic draw first Test between Pakistan and Australia has been rated below average.
Ranjan Madugalle of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees has rated the pitch as below average and the venue has received one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, said an ICC press release issued here.
Madugalle said the character of the pitch hardly changed over the course of five days and that there has been no deterioration apart from the bounce getting slightly lower.
“The pitch did not have a great deal of pace and bounce in it for the seamers nor assisted the spinners as the match progressed. In my view this does not represent an even contest between bat and ball. Therefore, in keeping with the ICC guidelines I rate this pitch as below average.”
Madugalle’s report has also been forwarded to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The remaining the tour of Australia to Pakistan after a gap of 24 years includes two Tests, three ODIs and a Twenty20 International from March 12 to April 5.
Rawalpindi would also stage three ODIs and a T20 while Karachi and Lahore will host one Test each. The next Test would take place in Karachi from Saturday.