After Pakistan’s 152-run victory over England in the second Test on a reused pitch in Multan, former England captain Nasser Hussain has called for a reevaluation of pitch preparation practices.
Hussain criticized using a previously prepared surface, which significantly favoured spin and allowed Noman Ali and Sajid Khan to dominate by taking all 20 English wickets, levelling the three-match series at 1-1.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hussain stated, “This cannot be the template for future cricket in Pakistan, to keep playing on the same surface.” He expressed concerns over the sustainability of such practices for the sport’s integrity and competitive balance in Pakistan.
Despite his criticisms, Hussain recognized the potential of Pakistan’s current lineup and advised consistency in team selection. “Stick with this squad, these two spinners, the batting line-up, the selectors, and the captain,” he suggested, advocating for similar pitch conditions for the upcoming third Test in Rawalpindi.
He reflected on the second Test as a more engaging spectacle than the first, featuring an England innings victory and 823 runs on a flat pitch. “Pakistan cricket, and I reckon Test cricket, needed this week more than last. It was much, much more watchable,” Hussain commented.
Looking forward to the decider in Rawalpindi, Hussain speculated that Pakistan might consider a more balanced team composition, potentially bringing in an additional seamer given that leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood only bowled six overs in the second Test.
Hussain warned against making knee-jerk reactions to the victory, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced team. “Some will say the fact they’ve won will justify their team selection, but I don’t agree with that at all,” he remarked. “You still need a balanced side.”
He also called on Pakistan to honour its fast-bowling heritage and not to shift solely towards spin. “This country has produced some great fast bowlers, so don’t just say, ‘We’re going to go with spin now,'” he advised.
Read: Noman Ali’s Eight Wickets Secure Pakistan’s Victory in Second Test at Multan
Hussain highlighted the nation’s tendency to overhaul its cricketing strategy following losses and emphasised the importance of stability and incremental improvement. “When they do lose, they change the captain, the coach, the selectors, the chairman, they change the pitches,” he observed.
Hussain urged Pakistan cricket to focus on steady improvement and maintain perspective regardless of immediate outcomes. “In the same way, don’t get too low when losing; don’t get too high when you’re winning. Try to work out how we can improve from this position,” he advised.
